More than 150 aircraft have been confirmed for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), causing a surge in ticket sales and resulting in a sell-out for the event’s busiest day, Saturday 20th July.
The event, held at RAF Fairford from 19-21 July, continues to attract significant interest with further announcements expected.
The latest aircraft participation confirmations began with the unveiling of the Boeing F-15QA Ababil, which promises dynamic displays with high-speed manoeuvres from this rare Qatari jet.
Following this, organisers revealed that the Norwegian Yellow Sparrow display team will be making their debut UK performance at the airshow. Additionally, the Royal Moroccan Air Force will return to RIAT for the first time since 1995, featuring a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons on static display.
Paul Atherton, Chief Executive Officer of RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), expressed excitement for the upcoming event. “We are very much looking forward to hosting the event again this year,” Atherton said.
“We’ve some really interesting themes that explore all aspects of aviation from iconic fast jets to aircraft which operate in unique environments. We are very grateful that so many people enjoy our event and I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of attending to get tickets while they still can.”
This year’s RIAT will celebrate several significant milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the F-16, 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The event also features the theme ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, recognising 100 years of military aviation test and evaluation flying.
Typically attracting around 150,000 visitors, the airshow will feature over 250 aircraft. Confirmed aerial displays include the Red Arrows, Spanish Harrier, Patrouille Suisse, and Canadian Hornet.
The ground attractions, such as the Techno Zone and Inspire Stage, aim to support RIAT’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, by inspiring the next generation of aviators through interactive exhibits and speakers.
“On the showground, we also have the Techno Zone and Inspire Stage, which are full of interactive exhibits and speakers,” Atherton added.
“As an event, we are focused on encouraging young people to interact with STEM and aviation, and both areas are hugely important to that. Under 18s continue to be able to attend the show free of charge, and we would love to see more young people join us at RAF Fairford next month.”
With Saturday tickets already sold out and tickets for Friday 19th and Sunday 21st July selling fast, organisers urge those interested in attending to secure their tickets soon.
Great airshow. Wouldn’t miss it for anything