Red Arrows set to celebrate 60th anniversary at Royal International Air Tattoo

By Barrie Hudson - 7 March 2024

Attractions

The organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have announced that the Red Arrows and a host of Royal Air Force aircraft will be taking to the skies at this summer's event.

The nine-ship display team will be marking their 60th anniversary at RAF Fairford with a new routine, fresh for 2024.

The event, which sees 150,000 visitors across three days, is taking place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July. 

Earlier this year, organisers revealed more than 25,000 tickets have already been sold with that figure now closer to 45,000. However, tickets and discounts are still available, with the show’s recently-extended Early Bird ticket offer now running until midnight on Sunday 10 March. 

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1, said: “The Royal International Air Tattoo and RAF Fairford have played an important part in the Red Arrows’ story, not least with the team being based at the airfield for a short period of time in its earliest guise.

“This makes the Red Arrows’ appearance at this year’s Air Tattoo especially poignant as we invite people to join with us to help celebrate our Diamond Season and, once again, share their enjoyment of seeing the team perform.

“Appropriately, the team’s preparing a trademark Diamond Nine formation for the 2024 show, with many fresh manoeuvres and special shapes featuring in this new display with our BAE Systems Hawks.

“We’re looking forward to inspiring all those at the Air Tattoo through our teamwork and flying – representing the Royal Air Force at this truly international celebration of aviation and meeting thousands of people on-the-ground at STEM exhibitions, at our stand in the RAF Experience area and other locations.”

Joining the Red Arrows at this year’s show will also be iconic warbirds from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as the RAF’s modern-day combat aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35B Lightning aircraft. 

Paul Atherton, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said the Royal Air Force contingent are always a welcome addition to the show’s line-up. 

He added: “The Red Arrows are one of the world’s most recognisable display teams and we are looking forward to watching them perform at this year’s show. 

“This year has huge significance for the Red Arrows and we know they have been perfecting a new routine to mark their diamond anniversary in style. 

“We are also really pleased to announce another firm fan favourite, the Typhoon and of course the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.”

Previously announced aircraft also include a Spanish Harrier, a British Antarctic Twin Otter and the Midnight Hawks display team from Finland. 

Participating aircraft are unveiled on a weekly basis via Air Tattoo social channels, with tickets available via AirTattoo.com

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