CANCELLED Royal International Air Tattoo 2021 - General Discussion Thread

[jasonT1981]

Nothing guaranteed but we could find out any possible US display involvement on Tuesday at ICAS

Tuesday, December 8th
10:10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Jet Team Schedule Announcements

[TFSeagle13]

The Thunderbirds are free that weekend!

[jasonT1981]

As much as I would love to see them again, I think 2022 is a better shout for them with it being the 75th anniversary of the USAF.

Then again, RIAT only did their anniversary in 2017 (70th) so that might be too soon for another USAF theme.

[raptor76]

As much as I would love to see them again, I think 2022 is a better shout for them with it being the 75th anniversary of the USAF.

Then again, RIAT only did their anniversary in 2017 (70th) so that might be too soon for another USAF theme.

I will always welcome a usaf themed show.

[lambo1784]

Paris has been cancelled so would not take any bets on RIAT going ahead.
2022 is more likely.

John in Seaford

[quid21]

Paris has been cancelled so would not take any bets on RIAT going ahead.
2022 is more likely.

John in Seaford

Isn't Paris like Farnborough mainly a commercial airshow to try to sell aircraft to countries/airlines - perhaps the huge downturn in air travel has caused that to be cancelled.

I'm still hopeful - after all it's outdoors, and other than the choke points, there's quite a lot of space. By then the vulnerable should've had their vaccine shots and 2020 will be a distant memory.

And pigs might fly

[jasonT1981]

Don't think this will have any baring on RIAT TBH. Paris is a big trade show aimed at selling aircraft and the market is in a bad way right now so not many will be buying, where as RIAT is an out and out Airshow aimed at entertainment and showing off the air arms of other counties. Two very different purposes.

[Nighthawke]

It is the nature of the events not their purpose to be considered. Both are big events with the same potential risks if the virus is still an issue. Only time will tell.

[Bilvo]

Paris being cancelled has HUGE implications for RIAT going the same way. It has nothing to do with one being a trade show As has been written on "another" forum, the WHO expects our living/working conditions as they are NOW to remain in place for the next 6 months (at least...). Vaccines do not mean that 2021 is going to be "back to normal" in any way shape or form

I think this is where the general UK population is to blame, in most peoples minds with the vaccines being approved they think that "the battle is over and the War has been won"... just take a look at the scene's of people shopping in Regent Street at the weekend, no social distancing, very few face masks being worn, not one of them has HAD a vaccine and with London currently having the highest rate of transmission (despite what you read in the media... especially from the government's own mouthpiece, the BBC). All of these shoppers who then return home, for their germ spreading children to mix with others as they return to school today and so on... It's going to get far worse after Christmas before this starts to get any better. Vaccines do nothing to slow the infection rate either.

We then have the governments wonderful "Christmas bubble" idea. You really don't need much of a brain to see where this is all heading

January will simply be the start of LOCKDOWN 3!

No, there will not be RIAT 2021!

[lambo1784]

Have to agree with above,you only have to look at what happens when restrictions are eased.
We still have the xmas easing to deal with and although July is a long way off do not forget that many overseas forces have no idea what they could provide for a show for which the planning starts when the previous show ends.
There is no guarantee that many will have the vaccine by RIAT time in spite of the words of Boris and company..Every time a date is mention it slips further after a couple of montbs.

Jojh

[Pi]

I totally agree can't see RIAT going ahead until at least 2022, I hope I'm wrong but ....

[TYPHOON3]

I expect there will be a deadline decision date if it goes ahead or not .Even if most of the UK has been vaccinated by a certain time, some overseas display teams may not have .

[paddyboy]

Bilvo:

Voice of truth, reasoning and sanity there

[fred grant]

With a vaccine now available in UK and eventually around the world things may be looking up for 2021. Not only for RIAT but for a lot of other outdoor events. I guess the bottom line could be "No vaccination certificate, no entry".

[jasonT1981]

While no aircraft have been announced. RIAT IS on the USAF schedule for 2021 along with Flying Legends

https://www.acc.af.mil/Home/Aerial-Even ... -schedule/

[jasonT1981]

USAF A-10 demo for RIAT

[James Cutting]

That would be excellent, fingers crossed it does go ahead. I see it as going ahead till someone says cancelled (but cautious in my optimism)

[Apache123]

Make fairford a week long and cut back ticket allocation daily. Make it like Farnborough but make it 2021 a better than the 2020 shambles

Apache123

[Gary]

Taken from the latest email

Message From Our Chief Executive

Dear Air Tattoo Supporters,

Thank you for your understanding and patience over the past nine months, particularly those of you that carried over your tickets for the Air Tattoo next year. It's been an interesting time for all of us as we try to navigate the new 'normal' and endeavour to keep a positive outlook as we move towards 2021.

Planning for the 50th Anniversary Air Tattoo next July is well underway and rest assured that safety is our number one priority, as it is every year, but clearly more so for 2021. The RIAT Team has been working with the relevant authorities and is using all of the available guidelines and resources to plan for a professional and COVID-secure event next year. Irrespective of whatever government guidance and restrictions may be in place we will strive to ensure that we can deliver a worthy celebration of a significant milestone in RIAT's history.

However, it is likely that next year's show will take place under different circumstances than normal and there may well be changes to the event in a number of areas as we have to demonstrate compliance with the evolving national situation. Notwithstanding, I am pleased to say we have had a positive response from the world's air arms and aircraft operators, and we will do our utmost to give you an Air Tattoo worthy of your support and commitment.

More information will be forthcoming in the New Year regarding any specific changes once we understand more clearly what and how they may impact our plans for delivery of the event. In the meantime, I would like to thank you again for your continued support, and I wish you and your families a happy and safe Christmas from all of us at the Air Tattoo.

Best Wishes,

Paul Atherton

CEO RAFCTE

[James Cutting]

Some positive news at least.