Aircraft Updates

It wouldn't be RIAT without the Royal Jordanian Falcons, so we're pleased to be able to get an early confirmation of their attendance from our friends in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The team will return to RAF Fairford with their four colourful Extra 330LX to perform in the flying display, our first international display team confirmed for the show this year! (We are still awaiting confirmation from RJAF Headquarters on the participation of their C-130H Hercules aircraft).

This week's discussions have continued with various air forces and civilian operators about the participation of their aircraft at the show. Of note for aviation enthusiasts, we have recently heard from Kuwait and South Africa, who both hope to send aircraft to the show this year for static display, which would be warmly welcomed. We will continue to work with both nations and will provide updates when able! 

This week, we have a delegation attending the European Airshow Council Convention, which this year is hosted in Athens. This gives us a fantastic opportunity to meet those involved in airshows across the continent with the key emphasis on learning, developing and innovating the air display industry, to ensure its future and of course continue EAC's primary goals of advancing safety and excellence. Our Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch, is also giving a presentation at the convention, sharing best practice from RIAT for other airshow organisers to consider. 

We will bring you all the news from EAC, and more aircraft announcements, next week..

Previous Updates

Thursday 19th February

Welcome to the first #TakeoffThursday for RIAT 2026! Each week we'll bring you the latest news, direct from the Air Operations Department, about the aircraft coming to RAF Fairford in July.

This week we're pleased that our 'Fighter Meet' theme gets off to a flying start thanks to the Finnish Air Force. They will be returning to RIAT with their popular F/A-18C Hornet, performing in the flying display. This year's display will be provided by Hävittäjälentolaivue 31 (Fighter Squadron 31).

We're already in discussions with several Air Forces about their planned participation at this year's show, with our usual mix of flying and static displays, which will be confirmed in the coming months as the show approaches. You can view the list of Air Arms who are already in discussions with below: