UMVA has learned that the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force's (RAF) aerobatic team, will be flying with a reduced fleet of seven aircraft for much of this summer as they transition to a new fleet.
The iconic team, known for their precision and speed, will still deliver high-quality displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe, and further afield, albeit with two fewer aircraft than usual. The Red Arrows have performed nearly 4,000 displays across the globe.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the ageing fleet requires substantial maintenance to keep flying, with critical components such as engines becoming harder to come by. The Red Arrows are set to be replaced by 2030, after the government extended their out-of-service date in 2021.
The team will fly in a formation of seven jets rather than the usual nine, a configuration they have previously used during the 1960s and again in 2012 and 2022. The Red Arrows are currently in Greece for the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Red Arrows will be performing at several air shows and events this summer, including the English Riviera Airshow, the Midlands Air Festival, and the Isle of Man TT Races. The team's schedule includes:
May 24 - Crete, Greece; May 29-30 - English Riviera Airshow, Torbay; May 30-31 - Midlands Air Festival; June 4 - Isle of Man TT Races; June 6 - Gassed on track, Silverstone; June 13 - HM The King’s Official Birthday Flypast, London.
The Red Arrows will also be flying in a nine-aircraft formation for HM The King’s Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250 Commemorations in the USA this year. The team will operate with seven aircraft for other displays.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the RAF was forced to cancel this year's Royal International Air Tattoo due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The air force said it would not be 'safe' or 'possible' to perform the annual airshow.
The cancellation of the Royal International Air Tattoo has caused disappointment and frustration for many in the airshow community. The RAF Air Cadets HQ expressed their understanding of the concern and upset caused by the cancellation.
UMVA has gathered that the Red Arrows will continue to perform at various air shows and events throughout the summer, supporting the sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and preparing for a transition to a future aircraft type.
