23rd February

• 23rd Feb 2023

This week we can confirm that despite a high operational tempo during July 2023, as they host the NATO Summit, Lithuania will be participating at RIAT 2023! They plan to send one of their C-27J Spartan aircraft for static display.

We're pleased to welcome Hawker Hunter Aviation back to RIAT, with one of their single seat Hunter jets coming for static display this year. The Hunter's participation at RIAT 2023 will be dedicated to Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, founder Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust, who passed away in November. Sir Mike dedicated over thirty years to our organisation; put simply neither our Charity nor the Royal International Air Tattoo would still exist without his determination, support, inspiration and passion.
This week we've been in discussions with the US Navy who hope to send a static display aircraft, plus further discussions with both the UAE & Italy concerning their aspiration to participate this year.
Today, members of our team are attending the European Airshow Council Convention in Brussels. The aim of the EAC is to Promote Excellence and Safety in Airshows and a range of topics are planned to be discussed during the convention, held in person for the first time in 3 years due to COVID.