Post
by Red-Eye-Knight » Thu May 16, 2024 11:03 am
Starting this week with more F-16s for our 'Viper Line' static display as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the type at RIAT 2024! We're very excited to be welcoming a pair of F-16s from Portugal to RIAT; the first time since 2006 we've seen their jets at the show. In addition to the Vipers, the Portuguese Air Force is also sending their new Embraer KC-390 transport aircraft to RIAT for the first time, for static display. Obrigado!
The Lithuanian Air Force will send a pair of aircraft to RIAT to join our NATO 75th Anniversary celebrations, both on static display. We're very excited to see their Mi-8 Hip helicopter coming across to RIAT for the first time in many years. In addition, they'll also send their C-27J Spartan.
Two interesting civilian aircraft added to the static display this week; a Finnish Vinka and Yugoslavian Kraguj. Both aircraft are now operated by private owners who'll be flying them to Fairford in July. The Vinka will be on static display as our memorial tribute to Perttu Karivalo, former member of the RIAT Flying Display Team and European Airshow Council Board member, who passed away in October.
The final addition to the static display this week, another C-17 Globemaster! This jet is coming from the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing, part of Strategic Airlift Capability based at Pápa Air Base in Hungary. The crew plan to have the aircraft open and available for tours throughout the weekend.
Also this week, we've continued our discussions with the Royal Navy, and Joint Helicopter Command, and are awaiting their formal confirmations of participation at RIAT. In addition, members of our team have this week attended a briefing to the Defence Attaché community in London on plans for RIAT 2024, and a number of fruitful conversations had to try and seek final confirmations of their nations' participating aircraft.