RIAT Update 28-MAR-2024

With the Royal Canadian Air Force's 100th anniversary to be marked next week (1st April), this week we announce the first of the static display items coming to RIAT as part of their centenary celebrations, both of which being historic De Havilland aircraft. Firstly we have a Chipmunk coming from Old Warden in its yellow RCAF colour scheme. Secondly, the Norwegian Vampire will be returning to RAF Fairford, this year to be adorned in Canadian markings especially for RIAT 2024! These aircraft will be parked alongside the modern day RCAF assets coming to RIAT 2024 on static display. We've had a number of great planning meetings with our Canadian friends already, and we hope to be able to announce their static aircraft participation next month, in addition to the previously announced CF-188 in the flying display.

A welcome addition to the flying display will come from Slovenia, in the shape of their Pilatus PC-9M. This display is a previous award winner at RIAT, showcasing the agility of this turboprop trainer, so the display is one not to miss! The PC-9M, which is known as the Hudournik (meaning Swift) in Slovenian service, will also be participating on the static display. This year they'll be supported by Slovenia's new C-27J Spartan which will remain at RAF Fairford for static display over the weekend too.

This week we've heard from a number of American units, from the Air Force, Army & Navy, who may be able to participate with their aircraft at RIAT 2024. Their approval process to participate at RIAT well underway, however it's likely we won't be able to publicly confirm their participation until much closer to the show. However at this stage we're confident we'll have an interesting mix of American aircraft for you to view on static display come July.