Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 Discussion Thread

[turmo]

I thought that was an interesting question about enthusiasts vs casual visitors.

Of course ticket sales are the driver. But it's another question as to how they drive those sales. Persuading a family to spend £60 + travel costs on a day out must be a tough job compared to advertising to enthusiasts who wouldn't evennpauae to consider the cost in terms of minimum-wage-hours equivalent.

Wandering around RIAT on the show days I do wonder how.much value casual visitors really get from the show and what the repeat-booking rate is.

[bizfreeq]

Considering they sell out every year without fail, and the enthusiast numbers are going to be in the minority, I would say the general public never has a problem with the cost of a day out at RIAT!

[turmo]

Saturday usually sells-out for general admission ( or at least has done so since I started going in 2013 ) but not Friday or Sunday.

It will be interesting to see how Friday full-show sells this year, it's a challenge as most families would have to take leave from work to attend. Selfishly I hope it returns to a half-day next year, there's a charm to it ending early and giving time for wandering-out without the teeming hoardes.

[James Cutting]

Agree there. Although I am looking forward to 3 days, it now rules out a day of wandering the static, as I enjoy the static just as much as the show. I believe next year it is back to 2.5 days though.

[reaper493]

Cheeky tuesday update....

Aircraft Update! The French Navy has confirmed that its Rafale tactical demonstration will make its Air Tattoo debut this summer! Read more here: http://bit.ly/2J3h6YN #RIAT18

mike

[James Cutting]

Nice one Mike - Shame it was probably the worst kept secret

[James Cutting]

Just seen a Tornado GR4 (RAF) has been confirmed flying for Cosford...Wonder if there will be the chance to see one at RIAT in the air?

[thevulcan]

Any idea on whether we will get couteau delta again this year cracking display last year.

[Gary]

According to their Facebook page, no they will not be at RIAT. They are doing a UK show but haven't said which

[thevulcan]

That's a shame still looking to be a great show still hoping for the mig29 confirmation

[Green133]

It is a shame about the Mirage's. I was hoping an announcement might be made of their participation. But the announcement of the Rafale's has dashed my hope there.( Not that I'm not looking forward to that demo).

[peasus911]

Great update, just get the feeling that each week now will have a wow factor of some kind.

[warthog56]

Hi all. Don't know if anyone has been cross referencing the Flightline preview pages for this years forthcoming shows but a look at their listing has a couple of interesting "to be confirmed" items showing for Farnborough. Under the US DoD list is an F/A18F Super Hornet whilst KAI have a T50 "Golden Eagle" showing. Given that the Super Hornet "flyer" has also performed at the Tattoo for the last two Farnborough/IAT joint years what are the chances that it may appear this year? The T50 is of greater interest though. Last time one appeared at both shows was in the guise of the South Korean aerobatic team. My expectations are probably too high that they will be making a welcome return to the UK but does anyone know if they have a dedicated demonstrator aircraft? If not, I wonder if they will "bail back" a South Korean one? Just need the Pakistan air force to return to Farnborough with a JF17 (visiting Fairford en route) and my year will be the Best ever (and that's over 50 seasons of attending air shows!).

[Gary]

Update

A Bonanza of flying and static aircraft have confirmed this week!

The RAF confirms the full BBMF fleet; Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota, plus the Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team and the Grob Tutor display!Two helicopters added to the static display; a

CH-146 Griffon from the Royal Canadian Air Force and a Civilian Westland Whirlwind.

Civilian static additions include the first visit of a KC-390 tanker/transport from Embraer, Jet Provost Mk.5, and RAF Flying Club's Association Tecnam trainers.

Nice especially the KC-390 & CH-146

[iain s]

Canadian is a stunner

[Scudpilot]

Update

A Bonanza of flying and static aircraft have confirmed this week!

The RAF confirms the full BBMF fleet; Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota, plus the Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team and the Grob Tutor display!Two helicopters added to the static display; a

CH-146 Griffon from the Royal Canadian Air Force and a Civilian Westland Whirlwind.

Civilian static additions include the first visit of a KC-390 tanker/transport from Embraer, Jet Provost Mk.5, and RAF Flying Club's Association Tecnam trainers.

Nice especially the KC-390 & CH-146

Is the Whirlwind flying or Static? Would love to see one in the air again!

[stevep22]

The Whirlwind is static I believe (pity...). There will be one flying at Cosford however.

Steve

[Seahornet1]

Update

A Bonanza of flying and static aircraft have confirmed this week!

The RAF confirms the full BBMF fleet; Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota, plus the Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team and the Grob Tutor display!Two helicopters added to the static display; a CH-146 Griffon from the Royal Canadian Air Force and a Civilian Westland Whirlwind.

Civilian static additions include the first visit of a KC-390 tanker/transport from Embraer, Jet Provost Mk.5, and RAF Flying Club's Association Tecnam trainers.

Nice especially the KC-390 & CH-146

Is the Whirlwind flying or Static? Would love to see one in the air again!

Does that help...?

[Alfie]

The Westland Whirlwind is west country based and flew at Weston-Super-Mare and Yeovilton Airday last year and being a local will probably appear again.

[MRTT]

Hellenic Army, Israeli Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Peruvian Air Force, Spanish Navy & Royal Thai Air Force added to the declined list.