Entertainment Swindon

Starting this week with another Apache coming to RIAT25 to join the celebration of the type’s 50th anniversary; this time from Qatar! Event organisers are very pleased to welcome an AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which wears spectacular desert camouflage colour scheme and will likely be the star of our APACHE50 static line-up. In addition, we’ll also be welcoming back their huge Globemaster, plus Hawk & Typhoon.

For the first time since 2016, RIAT is extremely pleased to welcome an aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force to the show, welcoming their Boeing 757 for static display at the show, with the plan for the aircraft to be parked near the centre of the showground and therefore visible on all three days of the show. This will likely be the final appearance from this classic airliner, as it’s due to be replaced in RNZAF service in the coming years, so one not to miss.

This week RIAT organisers also add the first of our Royal Air Force training aircraft which will be on static display at RIAT25, in the shape of Hawk, Prefect & Tutor. More to come from the Royal Air Force in the coming weeks..!

This week we’re saying ‘Bedankt’ to our friends in the Royal Netherlands Air Force for their continued support of RIAT, with an interesting assortment of their aircraft joining the RIAT25 static displays. Firstly, we’re particularly pleased to welcome their Pilatus PC-7 aircraft, used for elementary flying training, for their first appearance at a British airshow in over 10 years. In contrast to the small PC-7, the RNLAF are also supporting the deployment of the Airbus A330 MRTT operated by the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit. The current plan is that this large aircraft will be parked close to the centre of the static line and open for visitors to climb onboard on all three days of the show. As part of our ‘Eyes in the Skies’, the RNLAF are contributing their familiar favourite from 860 Squadron; the NH90 NFH. Finally, we’re pleased to welcome the new AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Netherlands for the first time. This year marks 50 years since the first flight of the AH-64 Apache, and we’ll be sharing more news on our plans to mark this important anniversary at RIAT25 in the coming weeks…

Further to the previously announced AW139 & PC-12, the Irish Air Corps have now confirmed they can send a third aircraft to RIAT25! They’ll also be sending their Eurocopter EC135 for static display.

This week, RIAT have added five civilian-operated aircraft to the static display. Notably, we’re pleased to welcome the unusual Bell 47 H-1 to RIAT25, with this helicopter only recently being imported into the UK. In addition, there will be two aircraft from the RAF Microlight Flying Association and two privately operated light aircraft joining the static displays. Whilst some of these General Aviation aircraft may not appear as the most exciting of aircraft types, they are an important part of RIAT to allow the show to showcase the full spectrum of aviation. Not many visitors can jump into a Typhoon or F-16 after RIAT, but general aviation aircraft like the Cessna 152 or AA-5 Tiger are operated at flying clubs across the country and offer the first taste of flight to many aviation fans.

This week, members of the RIAT team have been in London to give a briefing to the international Defence Attaché community, alongside RAF personnel, on their plans for RIAT25. Many fruitful conversations were had with many representatives, and it was clear that excitement for the show in July is very high amongst RIAT’s international colleagues. We’ll be following up on these conversations in the coming weeks to get those important confirmations of their aircraft participation.

Check out more RIAT news and purchase your tickets at: www.airtattoo.com