RIAT Fairford Air Show 2024

Introduction

Global Military Aviation Concludes RIAT 2024 with Dynamic Sunday Flight Displays

On Sunday, 21 July 2024, the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 hosted its climactic finale at RAF Fairford. As the world’s premier military air show, the event convened advanced military aircraft, national aerobatic display teams, and global aviation spotters to celebrate historic milestones in military aviation.

General Information about the Spottersday

• Official Event Title: Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 (RIAT 2024)
• Location & Airfield: RAF Fairford, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4DL, United Kingdom
• Event Dates: 19 July – 21 July 2024 (Featured Day: Sunday, 21 July 2024)
• Weather Conditions: Sunny intervals and dry conditions with clear skies, light south-westerly winds, and a peak afternoon temperature of 22 °C

History

The Royal International Air Tattoo originated in 1971 at North Weald Airfield before establishing RAF Fairford as its permanent home. Managed by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, the show promotes international aerospace diplomacy and military interoperability.

The 2024 event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 75th anniversary of the NATO alliance, and the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Key Facts

Sunday welcomed an estimated 55,000 visitors to conclude a weekend total of over 150,000 spectators. Aerobatic stunt teams featured the Royal Air Force Red Arrows celebrating their 60th diamond display season, the Saudi Hawks flying the BAe Hawk Mk.65, the Patrouille Suisse flying Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters, and the Midnight Hawks from Finland.

Solo flight demonstrations included the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet in its centenary livery, the Turkish SoloTürk F-16, the British Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, the Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II+, and Boeing’s F-15QA Ababil.

Over 25 nations displayed aircraft. Static showcases featured United States Air Force B-52H Stratofortress and U-2S Dragon Lady platforms, Hellenic Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II jets, Qatari C-17A Globemaster III and NH90 helicopters, and multinational F-16 fighters.

Specifications

• Showground Dimensions: A static display flight line extending 3.2 kilometres in length along a 3,048-metre asphalt runway
• Event Objectives: Strengthen international military cooperation, showcase modern air power and aerospace technology, inspire future careers in STEM and aviation, and raise charitable funds for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust
• Participating Nations: 25 participating nations, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Finland, Switzerland, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Norway, and Qatar
• Stars of the Show: Boeing F-15QA Ababil flying display, Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet demo, Hellenic Air Force and Turkish Air Force F-4E Phantom II fighters, Lockheed Martin U-2S Dragon Lady, and multinational F-16 Fighting Falcon anniversary formations