Aircraft Updates

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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.