Aircraft Updates

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Thursday 19th June

This week, we're extremely excited to welcome a new nation to the Air Tattoo this year! Egypt will become the 59th nation to participate in the show in July, when they will bring their Antonov An-74T aircraft to join the static displays at RIAT25. We are delighted to welcome this aircraft, which has a unique appearance with jet engines mounted atop the wings, this will be a star of the static display line-up. A very warm welcome awaits the Egyptian Air Force and their 'Coaler' aircraft at RAF Fairford.

This week we can confirm our 4th Apache for the static display at RIAT25, coming from the Army Air Corps. This helicopter will be parked alongside the previously announced American, Dutch & Qatari examples to celebrate 50 years of the Apache. As some of the Apaches won't be arriving until Friday afternoon, this line-up of helicopters will be at the western end of the static displays and only visible on Saturday & Sunday. In addition, the Army will also be sending one of the Wildcat AH.1 helicopters for static display. We are also pleased to be welcoming the new Army Air Corps Display Team, with 2x Apache and 1x Wildcat, to perform in the flying display. Their display will be exclusive to the Friday at RIAT25.

Continuing the rotary theme: In addition to their previously announced aircraft, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will now also be contributing a pair of Chinooks to the RIAT25 static displays!

Two more fast jets for the static display, firstly with the F-35B Lightning II from RAF Marham. This will be parked near the RAF Experience, at the eastern end of the showground, alongside other Royal Air Force aircraft. Also, in addition to their flying display, the Spanish Air and Space have informed us they intend to bring an additional C.16 Tifón to join the static display which is warmly welcomed.

QinetiQ will be sending two of their aircraft fleet, used by the Empire Test Pilots School, for static display at RIAT25. We'll see their King Air 350 and Leonardo AW139, which will be parked centrally and viewable on all three days of the show.

Unfortunately last week we heard from Historic Helicopters that their Whirlwind will not be able to make RIAT this year, due to major engineering works. However, they'll be bringing their ex-RAF Sea King HAR.3 for static display instead (alongside their previously announced Wessex). They will also be supplying their Lynx AH.7 to as act as our aerial photography helicopter over the weekend.

Sadly this week we've been informed that the BBMF's Dakota won't be ready for RIAT, and the Royal Danish Air Force can no longer send their F-16BM for static display.

We still have a number of flying display participants who we're awaiting to get the final paperwork in place, ready for the show in July, and we expect to be announcing them over the next three Thursdays right up to RIAT25!

Thursday 12th June

This week we're pleased to confirm the participation of the Royal Air Force's Chinook Role Demo at RIAT25! Similarly to last year, this will be an operationally focused role demonstration, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and we expect an HC.5 airframe to be used again. Discussions are ongoing regarding other aircraft from the Joint Aviation Command.

We can now confirm our 3rd Apache for our 50th-anniversary line-up at RIAT25, this time from the US Army. They'll be sending one of their new AH-64E Apache Guardians, from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade based in Germany. This is the first time we've welcomed an aircraft from the US Army to RIAT since 2015, so we're very pleased to welcome them back to RAF Fairford in July.

There are three additions to the static line from the Royal Air Force this week too; with a pair of Typhoons and a Poseidon! The Typhoons will come from 3(F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby and IX(B) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth. We have asked the squadrons to bring jets which have squadron insignia applied and if possible to fit inert weapons to demonstrate the Typhoon's array of capabilities. In addition, as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, we're very pleased to welcome the Poseidon for static display.

Our line-up of aircraft coming to the show this year that were also at Air Tattoo 1985 grows this week, with the addition of the Auster and Sioux from the Historic Army Aircraft Flight. These two aircraft will be parked alongside the previously announced R4D, C-47A and F-16BM and accompanied by a ground display illustrating highlights and memories from the last 40 years of the Air Tattoo.

From the Royal Navy, in addition to the previously announced Black Cats, they will now also bring an additional Wildcat HMA.2 for static display. We plan to park this alongside their Merlin, and other naval helicopters participating at RIAT.

Finally this week, we have a pair of Jet Provosts confirmed for the static display. One aircraft, XW324, has been a regular participant to RIAT in previous years, however, the other aircraft, XN459, is adorned in Red Pelican's livery and will be a bright addition to our classic jet static display which many visitors will have not seen previously.

This week we've held our 'Longest Day' to plan the arrival slots for all the participating aircraft at RIAT, another key milestone for the Air Ops team as we approach RIAT25.

Thursday 5th June

This week we have an assortment of aircraft joining our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme at RIAT25. Firstly, we're excited to confirm what will be one of the highlights of the flying display programme courtesy of the French Navy, with a rare appearance from their Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft. This aircraft will be coming from Flottille 23F, based at BAN Lann-Bihoué, and will be performing in the flying display on both Saturday and Sunday.

We're very pleased to be welcoming the rare Grob 520 Ergrett to join the static displays. This is one of the world’s largest fully composite manned aircraft with extremely high aspect ratio wings, perfect for high-altitude surveillance missions (like the U-2). We're thankful to Grob Aircraft SE for bringing this fantastic aircraft to the show in July. In addition, we'll also have their Grob 120TP on static display. These aircraft will be parked together near the centre of the showground and visible on all three days.

Also as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme, we're pleased to be welcoming a CP-140M Aurora from the Royal Canadian Air Force! This will likely be the last visit of an Aurora to RIAT as they approach their retirement from Canadian service, due to be replaced by the Poseidon. Our Canadian friends will also send a CC-130J Hercules to join the static displays.

Appearing at the Air Tattoo for the first time in two decades, we're very pleased to welcome the Guardia Costiera back to RIAT, with their ATR 42 aircraft joining our 'Eyes in the Skies' static display line-up. Fantastica! In a similar fashion, we're pleased that His Majesty's Coastguard will be returning to RIAT, with one of their Sikorsky S-92 search and rescue helicopters joining the static display. Our current plan is for the search and rescue helicopters to be parked together in a themed area alongside ground displays. Some of this line will be visible on Friday, but the full line-up will only be available to view on Saturday & Sunday.

Finally, we're pleased to be welcoming one of the Royal Air Force's newest aircraft to RIAT for the first time. The Envoy IV, flown by 32 Squadron at RAF Northolt, will be joining the static display line-up.

The Air Operations office is now getting very busy, with many key events such as our ATC Training Day conducted this week. More aircraft news next week..!

Thursday 29th May

This week we're pleased to announce two more flying displays for RIAT25!

We have now had confirmation from the Czech Air Force that their SAAB Gripen will be available for the show (in addition to their previously announced aircraft) and it will be performing in the flying display on Saturday & Sunday. This year Czechia are celebrating 20 years of Gripen operations and one aircraft has received a special paint scheme to mark the occasion, and we hope that this will be the airframe coming to the show in July.

We have also heard from Slovenia, who plan to send their Pilatus PC-9M to perform in the flying display. This aircraft, flown at airshows across Europe for many years by Andrej Fiorelli, is a multi-award-winning display so one to take note of in July. We will also welcome another PC-9M and their C-27J Spartan for static display too.

Two more Royal Air Force training aircraft will also join the static displays, with the Phenom from RAF Cranwell and Juno from RAF Shawbury both now confirmed to participate at RIAT25. The current plan is to have two Junos present at the show, one parked in the Ascent Showcase near the centre of the show, and another parked near the RAF Experience at the eastern end of the showground. Due to their flying training schedule, the Jupiter helicopter (also based at RAF Shawbury) will not be able to attend this year sadly.

Also this week, we're pleased to update you all that following discussions with the Italian Air Force and Finnish Air Force, their participation at RIAT is still going ahead despite incidents earlier in the year.

Work continues with other Air Arms to finalise arrangements for their aircraft due to participate in the flying display and static display at RIAT25. As previously explained, our policy is to wait until the correct permissions and paperwork are in place for an aircraft to attend before we add it to the participation list. With seven weeks to go, there are still plenty of exciting aircraft being worked on for the show!

Thursday 22nd May

Starting this week with another Apache coming to RIAT25 to join our celebration of the type's 50th anniversary; this time from Qatar! We're very pleased to welcome an AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which wears spectacular desert camouflage colour scheme and will likely be the star of our APACHE50 static line-up. In addition, we'll also be welcoming back their huge Globemaster, plus Hawk & Typhoon.

For the first time since 2016, we're extremely pleased to welcome an aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force to the show. We'll be welcoming their Boeing 757 for static display at the show, with the plan for the aircraft to be parked near the centre of the showground and therefore visible on all three days of the show. This will likely be the final appearance from this classic airliner, as it's due to be replaced in RNZAF service in the coming years, so one not to miss.

This week we can also add the first of our Royal Air Force training aircraft which will be on static display at RIAT25, in the shape of Hawk, Prefect & Tutor. More to come from the Royal Air Force in the coming weeks..!

Thursday 15th May

This week we're saying 'Bedankt' to our friends in the Royal Netherlands Air Force for their continued support of RIAT, with an interesting assortment of their aircraft joining the RIAT25 static displays. Firstly, we're particularly pleased to welcome their Pilatus PC-7 aircraft, used for elementary flying training, for their first appearance at a British airshow in over 10 years. In contrast to the small PC-7, the RNLAF are also supporting the deployment of the Airbus A330 MRTT operated by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit. The current plan is that this large aircraft will be parked close to the centre of the static line and open for visitors to climb onboard on all three days of the show. As part of our 'Eyes in the Skies', the RNLAF are contributing their familiar favourite from 860 Squadron; the NH90 NFH. Finally, we're pleased to welcome the new AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Netherlands for the first time. This year marks 50 years since the first flight of the AH-64 Apache, and we'll be sharing more news on our plans to mark this important anniversary at RIAT25 in the coming weeks...

Further to the previously announced AW139 & PC-12, the Irish Air Corps have now confirmed they can send a third aircraft to RIAT25! They'll also be sending their Eurocopter EC135 for static display.

This week, we have added five civilian-operated aircraft to the static display. Notably, we're pleased to welcome the unusual Bell 47 H-1 to RIAT25, with this helicopter only recently being imported into the UK. In addition, we have two aircraft from the RAF Microlight Flying Association and two privately operated light aircraft joining the static displays. Whilst some of these General Aviation aircraft may not appear as the most exciting of aircraft types, they are an important part of RIAT to allow us to showcase the full spectrum of aviation. Not many of our visitors can jump into a Typhoon or F-16 after RIAT, but general aviation aircraft like the Cessna 152 or AA-5 Tiger are operated at flying clubs across the country and offer the first taste of flight to many aviation fans.

This week, members of our team have been in London to give a briefing to the international Defence Attaché community, alongside RAF personnel, on our plans for RIAT25. Many fruitful conversations were had with many representatives, and it was clear that excitement for the show in July is very high amongst our international colleagues. We'll be following up on these conversations in the coming weeks to get those important confirmations of their aircraft participation.

This week, we've heard from one of our civilian participants, a Soko Kraguj, whose aircraft is no longer able to attend RIAT25. The other Kraguj will still be attending as previously planned.

Thursday 8th May 

"This week we're pleased confirm the participation of the Royal Navy at RIAT25! In the flying display we're welcoming back the Black Cats Helicopter Display team with their pair of Wildcat helicopters, and we're planning for them to fly on all three days of the show. In addition, we'll also be welcoming a Merlin HM.2 helicopter from RNAS Culdrose for static display.

This week we have another star item as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, with the French Air & Space Force providing their Boeing E-3F Sentry for static display at RIAT 2025. The aircraft will be coming from Avord Air Base to make a very rare airshow appearance which we're very excited to see! The current plan is that the aircraft will arrive on Friday afternoon to join the static display at the western end of the airfield.

A smaller, but just as exciting, addition to the static display comes in the form of a MD-500 helicopter from the Finnish Army. These characteristic helicopters are rarely seen in the UK so will be another highlight for aviation enthusiasts come July. Finally, a civilian Piper Cub in Italian Army colours will also join the static display to offer a historical perspective on our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme.

This week we've continued discussions with the United States Air Forces in Europe regarding US DOD aircraft participation at RIAT 2025. Whilst their approval process means we can't announce which of their aircraft will be appearing until much closer to the show we are in positive discussions to welcome a number of aircraft types to the show. As soon as we're able to share the plans, we will!

We are aware of incidents involving aircraft which are due to display at RIAT25. We await news from their respective national authorities on any impact to their appearance at the show and will update in due course. Our thoughts are with those personnel involved.

Tomorrow we look forward to welcoming members of FRIAT to Douglas Bader House for the annual FRIAT Forum."

Thursday 1st May

We're kicking off this week's update with another fast jet confirmed for the flying display! The Polish Air Force will be sending their "Tiger Demo Team" with their F-16C Fighting Falcon to perform at RIAT25. This will be the first time we've seen the demo at RIAT since 2018, following last year's unfortunate last-minute cancellation of their participation. The team uses a Block 52 variant of the F-16, and therefore are expecting it to perform with conformal fuel tanks fitted, offering an interesting comparison to the previously announced F-16AM from Denmark. The team will be supported by a C-130E Hercules as a support aircraft, however, at this stage, it is not known if this aircraft will remain for static display over the weekend.

This week we also have four additions to the static display line-up. We're pleased to welcome a pair of aircraft from Ireland, firstly with their Pilatus PC-12NG, only seen once before at RIAT 2022, and very appropriate for our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme. In addition, they'll also send an AW139 helicopter. We're delighted to announce that the Commemorative Air Force will be extending their 'Navy to Victory' Tour with their Douglas R4D-6S "Ready 4 Duty" aircraft to include an appearance at RIAT25. This aircraft's participation is particularly special to us, as the aircraft was also present at the first Air Tattoo which was held at RAF Fairford in 1985. The aircraft will be on static display all three days of the show, and the iconic aircraft will have artefacts from surviving U.S. World War II-era warships, assembled onboard the aircraft, especially for the Navy to Victory Tour. Finally, we'll always be happy to add another classic jet to the static line, this time in the form of a Fouga Magister, operated in private hands in France.

As the event draws closer we're starting to hear back from more of the world's Air Arms, who due to their operational tempo are sadly unable to send aircraft this year, but hope to return to RIAT again in future years. That said, we are still in positive discussions with a myriad of operators and plenty more aircraft to be announced for both flying and static displays in the coming weeks.

Thursday 24th April:

This week's update is focused on a fantastic contribution from the Italian Air Force to RIAT25!

Starting with the flying display; we're pleased to welcome back the Frecce Tricolori to RAF Fairford to perform their iconic formation display routine. This year marks the team's 65th Anniversary and we're very pleased to be welcoming them in their iconic MB-339 aircraft back to RAF Fairford to paint the skies red, white and green. In addition, returning again are the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with solo flying displays from their C-27J Spartan, F-2000A Typhoon and T-346A Master which are always favourites at the show.

On the ground, we're pleased to welcome three aircraft for static display from the Italian Air Force which are all relevant for our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme. Only seen once before at RIAT, their Gulfstream E-550A airborne early warning aircraft and Leonardo P-72A maritime patrol aircraft are very welcome visitors to RIAT25. In addition, we will also have a HH-139 search and rescue helicopter, with the plan being for the helicopter which attends to be the specially marked airframe from 84° Centro SAR painted to celebrate the unit's 100th anniversary.

Also this week we've heard from France & Poland about their intent to participate at RIAT25, as well as continuing planning with the Royal Air Force for their aircraft which will feature on static display. As ever, come back next Thursday for more information!

Thursday 17th April:

This week we have another flying display confirmed as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme, with a pairs display of photo-reconnaissance Spitfires! Provided by Rolls-Royce, we'll see their Spitfire XIX join a Spitfire XI to perform a display routine together, to showcase the Merlin & Griffon engine Spitfires together in their blue colour scheme. They will fly on all three days of the show, but the current plan is that the aircraft won't operate from RAF Fairford.

Continuing the theme, we have a further static addition from the Spanish Air & Space Force, with their VIGMA D.4 aircraft now confirmed for RIAT25. This aircraft is used for maritime patrol and search and rescue around the Balearic Islands and will be a very rare visitor to the UK.

In addition, a highlight for aviation enthusiasts will be the first-ever visit of Hellenic Mirages to RIAT! We're extremely pleased to welcome a pair of their Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, from 331 Mira, for static display at the show. We have asked the unit to bring 1x single-seat and 1x twin-seat aircraft, so both models can be admired by visitors to the show.

Finally, two more civilian aircraft for the static display come in the shape of a pair of ex-RAF Bulldog training aircraft.

This week we've also heard from Ireland and Qatar, who both plan to send aircraft for static display at RIAT. Once we confirm the final details, they'll be added to the aircraft participation list in the coming weeks. Likewise, discussions with countless other operators continue with a mix of exciting flying displays and rarely seen aircraft for static display being worked on for RIAT25.

Thursday 10th April:

This week we were jumping for joy with the news that the Spanish Navy will once again be flying the iconic Harrier at RIAT25! Known as the Matador II in Spanish service, we're extremely lucky to have these iconic 'Jumper Jets' return to RAF Fairford again this year to perform in the flying display programme. As per usual, they will be supported by a Cessna Citation aircraft.

Another welcome addition to the static aircraft displays this week, this time from the Slovak Air Force. They'll be sending their C-27J Spartan to the show once again, an interesting transport aircraft which will hopefully be open for visitors to climb onboard. Four smaller contributions to the static displays come from civilian operators this week, with a pair of Chipmunks (both in RAF colours) and a pair of Soko Kraguj. The aspiration is that these two aircraft manufactured by SOKO of Yugoslavia will arrive together and be parked alongside each other in the static displays, a rare sight in modern times.

This week we've continued discussions with many interesting aircraft operators from around the globe, and closer to home, exploring both flying and static participation. Of note, we have received the first indications from Joint Aviation Command on their intended support and continue discussions with the Royal Air Force regarding aircraft from 1 Group and 22 Group which we hope to have on static display. However, confirmations will likely not be available until late May/early June.

Thursday 3rd April:

This week we're pleased to announce another fast jet for the RIAT25 flying display, in the form of the Danish F-16! Once again coming from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, flown by long-term display pilot 'TEO' with his specially painted aircraft, for what could be the last time we ever see a classic F-16AM in the RIAT flying display. In addition, they'll also bring a two-seater F-16BM for static display. This jet will be part of our celebrations to mark 40 years of calling RAF Fairford home to the Air Tattoo, as the Royal Danish Air Force will also send an F-16B (ET-615) to the 1985 show. We have asked them to bring this exact airframe, which is still in operational service four decades on, but it of course depends on serviceability.

We're pleased to welcome the German Navy back to RIAT, with one of their Westland Sea Lynx helicopters coming for static display. A helicopter type we've not seen at the show in a number of years, this will likely be it's final RIAT appearance as the type approaches retirement from German service. Another addition to the static aircraft display this week comes from Switzerland, with a privately owned Dornier Do 27. Both these aircraft come as part of our 'Eyes in the Skies' theme.

Finally, an update from Spain this week. We have now been informed that the previously announced Eurofighter C.16 Tifón will come from Ala 14 based at Albacete. The display pilot has stated his intent to bring a jet painted with special tail (NATO Tiger Meet) for use in his display, which we hope will be appreciated by aviation enthusiasts.

Thursday 27thMarch

This week we're pleased to announce the participation of the German Air Force at RIAT25! Firstly, we're pleased to see their A400M return to RIAT to perform in the flying display, showing the size and agility of the huge Airbus transport aircraft. This year it should be the full flying demonstration, flown by the display crew from LTG 62, rather than the flypasts we saw at RIAT24. In addition, we've got four aircraft coming from the German Air Force for static display, including a pair of Tornado's (one from TLG 33 and one from TLG 51) which are always a RIAT favourite. Appearing at a British airshow for only the second time, their special forces H145M will also be on static display. Finally, a new aircraft type from Germany comes in the shape of their C-130J Hercules, flown by the Binational Air Transport Squadron based at Evreux in France. As per usual, Germany are providing outstanding support to the show, which we are very grateful for!

Another Royal Air Force asset confirmed for static display at RIAT25 is the BBMF's Dakota. After extensive servicing at Duxford, this aircraft has recently been repainted into South East Asia Command colours. The Dakota's participation at RIAT25 is very relevant, as this specific aircraft (ZA947) was also on static display at the International Air Tattoo 1985, the first time our show had been held at RAF Fairford, so it will be part of our small subtheme marking 40 years of calling RAF Fairford home to the Air Tattoo.

This week we've also heard from the Slovak Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force, who both plan to send aircraft for static display at RIAT25, more news to follow..!

Thursday 20th March:

This week we're pleased to confirm the presence of the Royal Air Force in the RIAT25 flying display! On all three days visitors will be treated to flying displays from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, with their nine Hawks. In addition, we're pleased to welcome back the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their Lancaster, Hurricane & Spitfire. Finally, we will also see the Typhoon FGR.4 performing a solo flying display, from 29 Squadron. News on further participation, including static displays and possible special flypasts, will follow in the coming months.

Also this week we're pleased to announce another flying display debut: We're pleased to be welcoming a pair of Black Hawk helicopters from Sweden to RIAT for the first time! Known as the Hkp16 in Swedish service, but more commonly known as the UH-60, one aircraft will be performing in the flying display and the other example will be on static display at RIAT25. Astonishingly for a helicopter type with more than 5000 airframes produced, this is the first time a Black Hawk has ever performed in the flying display at an Air Tattoo, and the first time one has been seen in the air at a British airshow since the 1990s! This is also the first visit of any -60 'Hawk' helicopter to RIAT since 2018, so definitely a rare machine for aviation enthusiasts to appreciate in July.

In addition, we have two further civilian additions to our static displays this week, both of which are airframes in bright colour schemes. Firstly, a Cessna 152 from the Halton Aero Club and secondly a Hawker Hunter. This year Hawker Hunter Aviation plans to bring their twin-stick T.72 aircraft, which was formerly operated by Embraer, and the aspiration is that this jet will arrive on the Friday.

This week a number of our team have been at Shrivenham, attending the Pre-Season Display Flying Symposium, hosted by the MAA & CAA. Over the two days, best practice was shared between Event Organisers, Flying Display Directors and Display Pilots. It was a great opportunity for us to catch-up with various UK military display pilots and volunteers from our Flying Display & Air Traffic Control teams.

In addition to this week's confirmations, discussions have also continued with many other operators. Specifically we've heard from our friends in Germany, with a number of aircraft from their Air Force & Navy pencilled in to appear at RIAT25... we hope to announce confirmed details of these aircraft next week.

Sadly this week we have been informed by the Portuguese Air Force that the participation of their P-3C Orion has been cancelled due to an "unforeseen operational commitment". However, we are still looking forward to welcoming their Merlin helicopter to the show in July.

Thursday 13th March:

Thursday 6th March:

This week we start with confirmations from the Spanish Air & Space Force, including a rarely seen fast jet solo display. We're very pleased to welcome their C.16 Tifón (aka Eurofighter Typhoon) to perform in the flying display at RIAT25, which we haven't seen here since 2016. At this stage we do not know which squadron will be providing the demo, but we will update once more details are known. In addition to the Tifón, as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme, they'll also be sending one of their Sikorsky S-76C helicopters, used for Search and Rescue, for static display which is also an excellent addition to the show as we think this is the first time the type (in Spanish Air Force service) has visited a British airshow.

Continuing the SAR theme we have two civilian additions to the static display. Firstly, a German Huey, now flown in civilian hands but still in military SAR markings. These helicopters were frequent participants in Air Tattoos in the 1990s and 2000s, so we're looking forward to hearing the iconic sound of the Huey back at RAF Fairford. In addition, we're very excited that Channel Islands Air Search are joining us with their Britten-Norman Islander. CIAS are a charity organisation that provides fixed-wing search and rescue cover in the English Channel surrounding Jersey and Guernsey, so their red and white aircraft will be a very interesting addition to RIAT25.

This week we're also pleased to report that our CEO & Head of Air Operations had a very successful trip to the European Airshow Council Convention in Prague last week. Naturally, flight safety was a prime topic but there were also many other interesting discussions on environmental sustainability, future technologies and best practices. It also provides a useful opportunity to meet with display pilots and representatives from European Air Arms and discuss intended aircraft participation. Lots of positive discussions were had about a range of exciting aircraft, for both the flying display and static display, but as always we await the official written confirmation of these aircraft before we list them online. It was also pleasing to see a number of our friends from across Europe be recognised in the EAC Awards, so our congratulations to Kurt Plyson (Belgian Air Force), Andrej Fiorelli (Slovenian Armed Forces), the German EF2000 and NH90 demo teams and PlanesTV for their respective awards.

Thursday 27th February:

This week, with members of our team away in Prague attending the European Airshow Council Convention, it seems very appropriate to announce the Czech Air Force's participation in RIAT25!

Firstly, we're very pleased to see their W-3 Sokol helicopter perform in the flying display. This SAR helicopter is very relevant for our Eyes in the Skies theme, and performs a very impressive and spirited display routine. When we last saw it perform at RIAT in 2022 the squadron flew one of their camouflaged helicopters, so this year we'll be asking them to bring an airframe painted in their Red/White SAR colour scheme. This may be the last time we see the Sokol in the UK, with the type planned to be withdrawn from Czech Air Force use in the coming years.

In addition to the Sokol, the Czechs will contribute two aircraft to the static displays: an L-159 ALCA and LET 410FG. The participation of the LET 410G will be a highlight for aviation enthusiasts as this airframe, with a glass nose to enable aerial photography, is a rare machine and very appropriate for our Eyes in the Skies theme! Finally, those of you attending the arrivals and departures days will see their CASA C-295 transport aircraft operating as a support aircraft (it is not intended to be present over the show days).

Of note, the Czech Air Force also hopes to send their SAAB Gripen to perform in the flying display - however, this will not be able to be fully confirmed until early May - hence it is not included on our participation list for now.

This week we've continued conversations with several European Air Arms about their aspirations to support RIAT25, with a number of fast jets and display teams being discussed. However, it's still very early in the planning cycle for most Air Arms, with the majority of them not able to confirm their attendance until the Spring. Check back next week for more news, including updates from the EAC Convention.

Thursday 20th February:

Two familiar favourites are returning to the RIAT flying display this week!

Starting with our friends from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we will welcome the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team to perform in the flying display with their Extra 330LX aircraft. In addition, we will see the C-130H Hercules on static display. Following last year's debut of a newer airframe in grey colours, the intent is that for RIAT25 they will bring an aircraft painted in their traditional Jordanian camouflage pattern.

The German Army will return to RIAT with their NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters - one for the flying display and one available for closer inspection on static display.

Finally this week, two more static display additions as part of our Eyes in the Skies theme. Firstly from Italy, we'll welcome a Piaggio P.166C which is operated in civilian hands but painted in authentic Italian Air Force colours. We're also welcoming the Catalina, based at Duxford, back to RIAT after many years. Our aspiration is to park the Catalina on static display alongside examples of modern-day maritime patrol aircraft to offer an interesting historical/contemporary comparison.

Thursday 13th February:

This week we have a quadruple update for our Eyes in the Skies theme.

Firstly, we are delighted to be welcoming two aircraft from Portugal, both of which will be making their RIAT debut! Their Merlin helicopter, adorned in beautiful camouflage, will be performing a search and rescue demonstration as part of the RIAT flying display, which will surely be a highlight for aviation enthusiasts. In addition, joining our static displays will be one of the most iconic maritime patrol aircraft in service worldwide: the P-3 Orion.

Continuing on the SAR theme, we're pleased that Historic Helicopters will bring their Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters to RIAT 2025. The current plan is for these two aircraft to arrive on Friday, and then join the static displays on Saturday & Sunday.

This week, we've continued communications with a number of Air Arms, and should soon have plenty more exciting aircraft confirmed for RIAT 2025 to announce in the coming weeks...

Thursday 6th February:

We're pleased to announce the first of our participating aircraft for RIAT 2025, in our first #TakeoffThursday update.

Starting off with some jet noise for our first flying display announcement. We're pleased to be welcoming a F/A-18C Hornet from the Finnish Air Force to perform in the RIAT 2025 flying display. This jet in previous years has been one of our award winning flying displays, so it's a display not to be missed.

Our operational theme for RIAT 2025 is 'Eyes in the Skies' and if you'd like to know more about it, you can visit our 2025 Themes page. The first three static aircraft confirmed today are all relevant for this theme. Firstly, from Lithuania we are pleased to welcome their Dauphin helicopter, which is used for Search and Rescue and airborne patrols of their airspace. In addition to the modern military aircraft, we will also show the historic side of aerial reconnaissance and this week we can announce that we will welcome two warbirds from Sywell for static display. Firstly, Lockheed Electra G-AFTL, which was previously owned by aerial photography pioneer Sidney Cotton and is considered world’s most historic photo-reconnaissance aircraft still in existence today. Secondly, a Spitfire FR.XIV, in Indian Air Force markings and fitted with WWII era cameras.

We are already in discussion with a number of other Air Arms discussing what aircraft they hope to send to RIAT 2025, with more news to follow every Thursday between now and the show.