RIAT 2024 Update: Saudi Hawks and New Aircraft Confirmations
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) organizers have announced an exciting update for this year’s event, confirming the return of the Saudi Hawks to the flying display lineup. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) aerobatic team will grace the skies on both Saturday and Sunday, showcasing their precision flying in the iconic green Hawk jets.
In addition to the Saudi Hawks, the Royal Saudi Air Force will debut their new F-15SA Eagle on static display, marking a first for this aircraft type at RIAT. Enthusiasts will also welcome back the RSAF’s A330 MRTT, which was a highlight of last year’s static display. Supporting the RSAF contingent, a fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft will be operational throughout the week, ensuring seamless logistics and additional viewing opportunities for aviation aficionados.
Saudi Hawks
Royal International Air Tattoo 2023
Further enhancing the static display, two significant additions from the Royal Air Force (RAF) have been confirmed. Both aircraft hail from RAF Brize Norton, situated nearby. The Atlas, a centrepiece of the RAF Experience, will be accessible for tours over all three days of the show. Additionally, the Voyager, the largest aircraft in RAF service, will be on static display and open for visitor tours, providing a rare glimpse inside this impressive aircraft.
Adding to the debut list, the Irish Air Corps will present their new C-295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft, marking its first appearance at RIAT. Accompanying it will be the EC135 helicopter, with the notable registration ‘270,’ featuring a specially painted tail boom celebrating 60 years of Helicopter Operations.
Switzerland’s contributions to the static display include the Pilatus PC-7 and PC-24, which will be showcased together in a prominent location near the centre of the airfield, highlighting Swiss aviation prowess.
The participation list has also expanded to include a variety of support aircraft from multiple nations. Confirmed additions are the Czech Air Force CASA C-295M, Finnish Air Force CASA C-295, Royal Moroccan Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules, Spanish Navy Cessna Citation II, Swedish Air Force Lockheed TP.84 Hercules, and the Turkish Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker. These aircraft will be arriving at RAF Fairford in the days preceding the show, providing ample opportunities for photographers and enthusiasts in the FRIAT / Park and View areas. Notably, the Turkish KC-135 is anticipated to join the static display over the weekend.
RIAT organizers have also shared insights into their meticulous planning process. The team recently completed ‘the longest day,’ during which they scheduled arrival slots for approximately 250 aircraft expected at RAF Fairford this July. In the coming weeks, they intend to release further updates detailing which aircraft will be available for viewing on the Friday of the event.
With these thrilling announcements, RIAT 2024 promises to be a spectacular showcase of international aviation, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of both dynamic flying displays and extensive static exhibitions.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the official RIAT website by clicking here.
