Royal International Air Tattoo reveals themes for 2024

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have unveiled a trio of themes for next year’s spectacular.

Over 150,000 visitors descended on RAF Fairford for RIAT earlier this year, with 253 aircraft on display across the three-day event. 

However, despite RIAT 2024 still being over 250 days away, planning is already underway and tickets are on sale, with next year’s show taking place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July, and visitors can expect to see hundreds of aircraft from across the globe. 

Organisers have announced the show will be highlighting the vital work carried out by flight test and evaluation establishments, under the theme ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air & Space’. 

As part of this, they plan to display aircraft from military flight test units, alongside developmental aircraft from commercial manufacturers, and future aircraft pioneering sustainable aviation, such as hydrogen and electric powered aircraft. 

RIAT 2024 will also host a global gathering marking 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, celebrating the success of this iconic aircraft type, displaying operators of the aircraft from around the world. 

In addition, the show will mark 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). 

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprise Paul Atherton said: “As always, we think carefully about what themes to highlight each year at RIAT, but for 2024 we are blessed with a diverse and relevant selection.  

“The iconic F-16 which has been the backbone of many Air Forces for many years, the contribution NATO has delivered and continues to bring across Europe, and a celebration of test flying which began with the first aircraft some 100 years ago and will continue to shape the future of sustainable aviation over the coming years.”

While the main themes for next year’s show have been revealed, there will still be further announcements on other areas of activity at the event over the coming months as planning continues, and as ever the organisers promise the perfect day out for all the family. 

With tickets on sale at airtattoo.com, there is still time to secure a spot at a discounted rate with early bird prices available for the Saturday, while super early bird prices are still being applied to both the Friday and the Sunday.