WHAT WE DO.........
RAFCTE is best known for staging the world’s largest military airshow – The Royal International Air Tattoo – each year at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The origins of the Royal International Air Tattoo stretch back to an airshow first held at North Weald Airfield in 1971. Inspired by two air traffic controllers, Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, this modest event, organised wholly by volunteers, was originally held in support of the Royal Air Forces Association. Over the years this volunteer force has grown into an army, more than 3,500-strong, who bring with them a wealth of aviation and event-management experience that has helped the Air Tattoo grow into the enormous event it is today.
In addition to organising the Royal International Air Tattoo, the company also:
- Organises the annual Royal Air Force Band Concert Tours to venues throughout the UK.
- Sell related Gifts and Souvenirs under the banner 'AIR TATTOO TRADING'.
- Publishes the RAF Yearbook and other publications including Souvenir Programmes for its events.
- Operates an MBNA affinity credit card scheme.
- Provides logo licensing services to various market sectors.
- Provides ticketing, donation handling, mailing and fulfillment services for external events, charities and other organizations.
- Provides aviation consultancy and management services for other airshows, both in the UK and overseas.
- Operates a catering division primarily in support of The Royal International Air Tattoo in the name of Hospitality International.
Throughout its time, RAFCTE has not only made a great deal of money for charity, but it has helped demonstrate the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force and generate, through its commitment to excellence, an increased appreciation of aviation in general.