Swiss display team become latest to confirm RIAT attendance
- 4th Apr 2024
Switzerland’s elite Patrouille Suisse display team have become the latest addition to this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in what is their only planned UK appearance 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 20th and Sunday 21st July.
Joining them, from the German Air Force, is a Typhoon display which is attending the Royal International Air Tattoo for the first time, as well as an A400M which is starring in a solo display at the event – another first for the show.
The recent announcement reflects support one of the show’s themes, recognising 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch 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 year’s show has a theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, which will focus on specialised aircraft used for Flight Testing, with a host of groundbreaking aircraft taking part to highlight aviation and its advancement through the years.
In the summer, the 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.
RIAT, which is taking place from 19th-21st of July, donates all of its proceeds to its parent charity the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), who are on a mission to inspire children and young people into aviation and aerospace through a variety of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths).
In addition to the action in the air, there is plenty to see on the ground including the Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage, which represents a hub of activity for the charity.
RAFCT Director, Justine Morton added: “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.
"Young people are at the heart of the hands-on, interactive Techno Zone®, and last year we were thrilled with the number who explored both the Techno Zone® and the Inspire Stage.
“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.”
Tickets are available here.
