Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight (1932-2022)

It is with the greatest sadness that we have received the news that our founder Chairman, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Knight, died suddenly on Monday following a family celebration to mark his 90th birthday.

Sir Mike dedicated over thirty years to our organisation; put simply neither our Charity nor the Royal International Air Tattoo would still exist without his determination, support, inspiration and passion. He attended the Air Tattoo many times during his years serving in the RAF and in retirement was invited to join our small Vice Patron team to help host the RAF's 75th anniversary celebrations at RAF Fairford in 1993. He provided unstinting support, never missing a Show, until the end of 2004 as we faced the biggest challenge to our future on the parting of ways with the RAF Benevolent Fund. Sir Mike agreed to lead a new organisation, and with his close team, built the newly formed charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. He was Chairman until 2008, continuing his support as an Honorary Vice Patron as the organisation has gone from strength to strength.

He was a giant of a man to us, admired by the world's aviators, and will be deeply missed.