AN ICONIC aircraft display team are set to mark a special milestone at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford this summer.

The nine-ship Red Arrows display team will be celebrating their 60th anniversary at RAF Fairford with a brand-new routine in July.

RIAT organisers have announced that a host of impressive aircraft will be taking to the skies at the highly anticipated event between Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21.

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 & F-35B Lightning aircraft. 

Red Arrows squadron leader Jon Bond 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.

Stroud News and Journal: Squadron leader Jon BondSquadron leader Jon Bond (Image: Royal International Air Tattoo)

“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.”

Paul Atherton, chief executive officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “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."

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

Tickets for the show are available on AirTattoo.com.