Over 150,000 visitors went to RAF Fairford where 253 aircraft were on display over the 3-days of RIAT 2023. Now, planning is underway for next year's RIAT which will be held from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st July.
Organisers have announced the show will be highlighting the vital work carried out by flight test and evaluation establishments, under the theme ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air & Space’.
As part of this, they plan to display aircraft from military flight test units, alongside developmental aircraft from commercial manufacturers and future aircraft pioneering sustainable aviation, such as hydrogen and electric powered aircraft.
RIAT 2024 will also host a global gathering marking 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, celebrating the success of this iconic aircraft type, with displays from operators of the aircraft from around the world.
In addition, the show will mark 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and one of focus areas for will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force. In a special ground area, there will be both modern RCAF assets and historic aircraft types formerly flown by the RCAF, alongside displays of Canadian culture. As part of this focus, the Canadian CF-18 Demo Team will perform in the flying display.
Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprise, Paul Atherton said:
“As always, we think carefully about what themes to highlight each year at RIAT, but for 2024 we are blessed with a diverse and relevant selection.
“The iconic F-16 which has been the backbone of many Air Forces for many years; the contribution NATO has delivered and continues to bring across Europe, and a celebration of test flying which began with the first aircraft some 100 years ago and will continue to shape the future of sustainable aviation over the coming years.”
While the main themes for next year’s show have been revealed, there will still be further announcements on other areas of activity at the event over the coming months.
See our preview of RIAT24
To purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com.