2024 Themes
Each year at the Air Tattoo we celebrate aviation and airpower across its broadest spectrum; however, we also designate annual themes to promote the attendance of different aircraft types and focus professional discussion at the event. For RIAT 2024, we focused on the following themes.
50 Years F-16
2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s first flight, and with over 4600 airframes manufactured over the last five decades, the aircraft has become one of the most successful combat jets in history. To celebrate this, the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 will host a global celebration of the F-16 Fighting Falcon in conjunction with Lockheed Martin. The focal point being a static line-up of F-16 from around the world and of course impressive flying demonstrations of the F-16.
Pushing the Boundaries in air and space
Our main theme will highlight the important work of Flight Test & Evaluation in modern aviation, looking back at 100 years of British military test flying. We hope to display specialised, modified and instrumented test flight aircraft from organisations from around the world dedicated to Flight Test, Evaluation and Scientific Research. In addition, this theme will enable the aviation industry to showcase the latest technological developments, including sustainable aviation technologies such as Electric & Hydrogen powered aircraft
NATO 75th Anniversary
Since it was established in the early 1970s, the Air Tattoo has been committed to demonstrating the importance of the NATO Alliance. Therefore, it is highly appropriate that at RIAT 2024 we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Since its establishment in April 1949 the fundamental role of NATO has been to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries and in today’s world, the role of NATO is more important than ever. This special occasion will be celebrated at RIAT 2024 by welcoming aircraft from NATO Nations.
100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force
One of our focus areas for the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. In a special ground area, we will host both modern RCAF assets, as well as historic aircraft types formerly flown by the RCAF, alongside displays of Canadian culture for visitors to enjoy and interact with. In addition, we are excited to welcome the Canadian CF-18 Demo Team to perform in the flying display.
Further focus will be announced closer to RIAT 2024, watch this space...
