Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 General Discussion Thread

[seven]

Another 'would have been great for Cosford' update IMO.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

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.

[Discodaz]

its still early days but I'm going to say what most are thinking....its turning into a bit of a heli fest this year.
i dare say it will be a great show regardless but, not fantastic ticket sellers so far....

[Plane enthuiast]

It was always gonna be a fair few Helis given how they meet the theme of SAR

To be honest I'm not really bothered we've had some gems so far

Especially that S-76C

[jasonT1981]

Nice update! Haven't seen the Spanish Typhoon before, it's last trip to RIAT was the year before my first show.

Nice boost to static too, S76 is a very nice catch and always good to see a Huey!

[verreli]

i dare say it will be a great show regardless but, not fantastic ticket sellers so far....

Is that true? Enthusiasts will likely buy a ticket because it's the biggest show in Europe. The general public will buy a ticket because its a nice day out and the Red Arrows are flying plus there's some other noisy flying things. How many wait for a special item? 100? 200? Numbers more than covered by demand for the annual sell out event.

There's usually something for everyone. This year will be no different. Classic year? Time will tell.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

We start this week's update with confirmation from the Belgian Air Force of two aircraft to join our static displays. Firstly, we're pleased to welcome one of their F-16 Fighting Falcons to RIAT25. The plan is that this will be a twin-stick F-16BM airframe from the Operational Conversion Unit, specifically FB-24 which has a specially painted tail, serviceability dependant of course. In addition, we'll also be seeing one of their Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft on static display. Whilst the A400M has visited RAF Fairford previously in a support capacity, this will be the first time we've had a Belgian A400M on static display at the show, and we're sure the crew from 20 Squadron will give those who visit the aircraft a very warm welcome. The current plan is that both Belgian aircraft will arrive on Friday 18th July and be parked at the western end of the showground.

We're also pleased to be welcoming a new aircraft type from the Hungarian Air Force, with their Airbus H225M confirmed to participate on static display. These helicopters have only recently entered Hungarian service (in 2023), equipped with the HForce weapon system, so we're looking forward to seeing them on at RIAT for the first time.

This week we've continued conversations with several European Air Arms about RIAT participation which we hope to confirm in the coming weeks. We are also hoping to receive our formal confirmation of Royal Air Force flying display participation in the coming weeks too.

[jasonT1981]

Nice update. Good to see Friday arrivals

Swiss added to not attending

[seven]

Swiss added to not attending

Ouch.

[Gary]

Great to have 20 Sqn party boys attending RIAT get in. Always entertaining near their stand

[Red-Eye-Knight]

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.

[Harkins]

Some interesting aircraft for sure, but it's feeling a bit Middle Wallop at the moment. And a bit disappointed to see Turkey have declined as I am always hoping to see the Stars make it one year. Plus were 50% less likely to see an F-4 again.

I know it's very early days, but it was always going to be difficult to even get close to how good last years show was. Especially that Friday.

[Gary]

The Swedish Blackhawk did a brilliant display at Sanicole last year. Which they used a lot of flares. Shame won't have the chance to see that

Shame about the P-3C

[jasonT1981]

Never seen a Blackhawk flying so this is a fantastic update

[65thAgressor]

Hmm might have to hold off on tickets ,it is still early but nothing to get excited about yet.

[peasus911]

I used to buy my tickets with no idea of what was going to display until i bought a programme.
that was the old days.
so they trickle the confirmations each week so we have something to look forward to each week until the final week, they can't confirm most of the heavy metal until around 4-6 weeks before the show due to operational commitments etc.
I wonder how many people have actually missed a show due to a "Poor" content. and I don't include the Fence brigade that don't buy a ticket.
I say bring it on and look forward to each update on a Thursday as we get closer.
Very happy with today's announcement. Never seen a 60 do a display. and by the way, I normally buy my ticket before Christmas and put the dates in my diary. been going since 1985 and never been let down yet.
I'm now preparing to ripped apart for my opinions

[Gary]

German A400 self confirmed

Original source https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbcKvlsvRW ... JndHh0cQ==

[seven]

Decent update (and leak). Though one hopes that's as well as the Gripen as opposed to instead of..

[Red-Eye-Knight]

I used to buy my tickets with no idea of what was going to display until i bought a programme.
that was the old days.
so they trickle the confirmations each week so we have something to look forward to each week until the final week, they can't confirm most of the heavy metal until around 4-6 weeks before the show due to operational commitments etc.
I wonder how many people have actually missed a show due to a "Poor" content. and I don't include the Fence brigade that don't buy a ticket.
I say bring it on and look forward to each update on a Thursday as we get closer.
Very happy with today's announcement. Never seen a 60 do a display. and by the way, I normally buy my ticket before Christmas and put the dates in my diary. been going since 1985 and never been let down yet.
I'm now preparing to ripped apart for my opinions

Not on here it seems been like a ghost town regarding RIAT this year on here compared to previous years

[Steven]

Not on here it seems been like a ghost town regarding RIAT this year on here compared to previous years :lol

I think that's because not many people want to stick their neck out anymore. This thread in previous years has turned rather aggressive if you have anything negative to say about the line-up. There are some people on the forum who will be constantly refreshing the Air Tattoo website at 11.59 on a Thursday in order to be the first person to post the update on here and would regard it as a
"brilliant update" even if DBH said " a big steaming turd will be laid on the runway".

If you dare say anything negative you are told "don't like it don't go" and I think this goes some way to explaining why the thread is quieter so far for 2025