A bumper crowd of over 175,000 people enjoyed thrilling displays, unique flypasts and an extensive static display at his summer’s edition of the Royal International Air Tattoo.
In total, there were 224 participating aircraft from 27 different nations, with 41 Air Chiefs from countries all over the world also in attendance.
Reflecting on the weekend, Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “We were delighted to welcome so many people to RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.
“As always, I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing the event to life from the visiting crews, our hosts at the United States Air Force, our team of volunteers and of course our visitors.
“Plans for next year are already underway and we look forward to sharing them in the coming months.”
This year’s show saw a second historic flight in as many years with the iconic Royal Air Force Red Arrows displaying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the very first time. This comes after the RAF Typhoon completed its first public display on SAF in 2024 – the Typhoon also flew on SAF this summer.
In relation to this year’s theme of Eyes in the Skies, spectators were treated a special flypast showing the RAF’s new Wedgetail aircraft alongside the Red Arrows, plus displays from the American U-2 spy plane and French Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft.
On the ground there were plenty of highlights, including a heritage centre which celebrated 40 years since Air Tattoo first touched down at RAF Fairford, elsewhere, show highlights included Tim Peake and Rachel Riley appearing at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust’s Inspire Stage, our newly expanded Techno Zone®, which saw thousands of children across the three-day period interact the latest technology.
Looking at the future of aviation, the show also welcomed Vertical Aerospace and their VX4 prototype in what was a potential glimpse at the future of flight.
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Director, Dr Kevin P Stenson said: “I am incredibly proud to experience RIAT25 powering the dual purpose of the RAF Charitable Trust; the Promotion of the RAF, and the inspiration of young people to fulfil their potential in Air, Space and Technology.
“Highlights for me include the brilliant STEM role models in both Techno Zone® and on the Inspire Stage helping tens of thousands of young people to see that STEM is for them.
“I am indebted to everyone who supports the RIAT weekend, as this powers the Trust’s year-round, UK wide, STEM programme.”
Next year the Air Tattoo will return on 17th, 18th and 19th July.
