20th April

• 20th Apr 2023

Ths week we have our first participant for our SKYTANKER23 operational theme, with Metrea Strategic Mobility providing one of their KC-135 Stratotankers for static display. These airframes were formerly operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force and are now flown by Metrea to provide commercial air-to-air refuelling for partner Air Arms. We're particularly excited to see their KC-135 at RIAT this year due to the aircraft's striking camouflage colour scheme which will be a highlight of the static displays for many aviation enthusiasts.

More good news from Italy, as we welcome aircraft from the Italian Army to RIAT for the first time in many years! They will provide a trio of assets for static display; with a debut of their new UH-169B, plus a Dornier 228 and Mangusta attack helicopter!

We're excited to announce that, thanks to Airbus, we will see the UK flying display debut of a Messerschmitt Me 262 (the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft) at RIAT 2023! This classic WWII jet will be performing in the flying display on Saturday & Sunday and it will likely be one of the unique highlights of this summer's Air Tattoo. We aim to park this aircraft in one of our southside operational areas, so visitors can get a closer look at the aircraft whilst on the ground too.