11th May

• 11th May 2023

The week we can announce the first batch of Royal Air Force aircraft joining the RIAT static displays, with all powered aircraft types from 22 Group to be represented at the show this year. Examples of the MFTS fleet will once again be displayed together in the Ascent Flying Training showcase area in the centre of the RIAT showground. The additional airframes will be parked near the RAF Experience in the Red Zone (east end of the airfield) and available to view on all three days of the show.

The training theme continues with aircraft from Portugal and France! We're pleased to welcome Esquadra 101 back to RIAT, once again with a pair of their Epsilon aircraft on static display. In addition to the previously announced flying display items, the French Air & Space Force will also contribute a TBM-700 to the static aircraft displays.

We also add four more historic civilian aircraft to our static displays. We're pleased to be welcoming the Norwegian Vampire back to Fairford, which will be wearing Italian Air Force markings and join our special ITAF100 static display area. We are just putting the finishes touches to our plans and awaiting the final approval from the Italian Air Force to announce their modern day aircraft which will be on display in this special ITAF100 exhibition. We did engage with Starfighters Inc to explore the possibility of their TF-104G participating at RIAT 2023, however this will not be possible.

Finally, we have been informed by the Czech Air Force that the participation of their ALCA pairs display at RIAT is in doubt, due to one of their pilots breaking their leg. We are exploring various options with them, and once we have confirmation of the new plan we will update the participation list. We wish Aleš a speedy recovery!