Bumper aircraft announcement sparks Saturday sell out for Royal International Air Tattoo

  • 11th Jun 2024

A series of aircraft participation confirmations from the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has led to the event selling out on its busiest day.

The event’s bumper aircraft announcement started with the Boeing F-15QA Ababil being unveiled in what will be a dynamic display with plenty of high-speed manoeuvres from this rare Qatari jet.

The world-renowned airshow, which is being held at RAF Fairford from July 19th-21st then revealed the Norwegian Yellow Sparrow display team will also be attending, the first time the display team have performed in the UK.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force, who are returning to the show for the first time since 1995, rounded off the unveilings with a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons on static display.

Following on from the announcements, the show has now sold out on general admission for Saturday 20th July, with Friday 19th and Sunday 21st July still available but selling fast.

This year, the aviation showcase is highlighting the F-16 as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centenary as well as its operational theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’ in recognition of 100 years of military aviation Test and Evaluation flying. 

Every year the event attracts 150,000 people to the rural airfield, with last year’s show seeing over 250 aircraft in attendance.

RAFCTE Chief Executive Officer, Paul Atherton said: “We are very much looking forward to hosting the event again this year.

“We’ve some really interesting themes that explore all aspects of aviation from iconic fast jets to aircraft which operate in unique environments.

“Again, we are thrilled to see the level of support the show has received. We are very grateful that so many people enjoy our event and I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of attending to get tickets while they still can.”

In addition to dazzling displays in the air with the likes of the Red Arrows, Spanish Harrier, Patrouille Suisse and Canadian Hornet already confirmed, there is plenty to see on the ground too with the show’s Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage.  These ground activities and exhibits support RIAT’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, and its ambition to inspire the next generation of aviators.

“On the showground we also have the Techno Zone and Inspire Stage, which are full of interactive exhibits and speakers,” he added.

“As an event we are focussed on encouraging young people to interact with STEM and aviation and both areas are hugely important to that.

“Under 18s continue to be able to attend the show free of charge and we would love to see more young people join us at RAF Fairford next month.”

To buy tickets for this year’s event visit AirTattoo.com.