A SPECIAL overseas display team are to due put on a breathtaking performance at a highly anticipated air show in Fairford this summer.

Switzerland’s elite Patrouille Suisse display team are the latest addition to this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo's (RIAT) programme.

This will be the team's only planned appearance in the UK this year.  

Flying in Northrop F-5 Tiger jets, the six-strong display team are returning to RAF Fairford for the first time in seven years and will be taking to the skies on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21.  

Peter Reoch, head of air operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “This year’s show is coming together nicely, and even at this early stage, nine visiting nations have already committed to send their aircraft to RAF Fairford in July.  

“We have plenty more in the pipeline ahead of this summer, and this is a really exciting time of year for us as everything slowly starts to pull together into the event so many people know and love.  

“We’ve got some interesting themes and anniversaries, with a number of aircraft which people won’t have seen before planned to attend RIAT 2024, which promises to be unmissable event for enthusiasts and families alike.” 

This summer's show will also recognise the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary, 60 years of the iconic Red Arrows, 50 years of the F-16 and NATO’s 75th anniversary.  

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, who are on a mission to inspire children and young people to go into aviation and aerospace industry.
 
Justine Morton, RAFCT director, said: “The RAF Charitable Trust is dedicated to a brighter, more sustainable future for space and aviation, and inspiring future generations of young minds to achieve their full potential. 
 
“The Inspire Stage features some of the leading names in STEM, space and aviation, as well as giving young people a chance to hear from engineers and pilots who are just starting out in their careers.”  
 
To book tickets visit airtattoo.com