The Red Arrows, Britain’s renowned aerobatic display team, are preparing for a series of spectacular shows and flypasts across the country as summer approaches. They are set to dazzle spectators with their impressive aerial maneuvers at various events, including the King’s official birthday celebrations and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
After undergoing extensive training, the team will showcase their skills in Exercise Springhawk abroad, where they will be assessed for Public Display Authority by senior Royal Air Force officials. Upon receiving approval, the pilots will switch to their distinctive red flying suits, and the ground crew will don royal blue display coveralls.
Due to aging engines, the team will reduce their fleet size to seven aircraft for most displays in the coming years, deviating from the usual nine-plane formation. This adjustment is expected to continue until at least 2030.
Where can you catch the Red Arrows this year? Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming schedule:
The team will kick off their season in Greece to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete on May 24 before heading to the English Riviera Airshow in Torbay on May 29 and 30. Subsequent appearances include the Midlands Air Festival in Warwickshire, the Isle of Man TT Races, and the Gassed on Track event at Silverstone.
Following their UK engagements, the Red Arrows will participate in airshows and displays in the US from June 27 to July 26. They will return to the UK in August for events such as the Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
In September, the team will perform at various locations, including the International Ayr Show Festival of Flight in Scotland, the Battle of Britain Air Display in Guernsey, and the IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show in Cambridgeshire.
The Red Arrows will conclude their UK airshow season with the Flying Finale at Duxford after completing appearances in the Czech Republic and France.