The Red Arrows have announced a significant change to their air shows for the upcoming summer season, as the full schedule of displays has been confirmed. The renowned aerobatic team will reduce the number of aircraft in their formation from nine to seven for most performances, citing the need for maintenance on the aging fleet.
Fleet Transition and Maintenance
The team, officially known as the RAF Aerobatic Team, will operate with seven Hawk T1 jets while they prepare for a transition to a future aircraft type. The aging fleet has performed nearly 4,000 displays worldwide, but substantial maintenance is now required to keep them flying. Critical components, such as engines, are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
The aircraft are expected to be replaced by 2030, following an extension of their out-of-service date by the Conservative government in 2021. This is not the first time the Red Arrows have flown in a seven-aircraft formation; they previously did so during the 1960s, as well as in 2012 and 2022.
Full Formation for Special Events
Despite the reduction, all nine Hawk T1 jets will still take to the skies for the annual flypast in honor of the King’s Birthday in June. A full formation is also expected when the Red Arrows cross the Atlantic for the July 4 250th anniversary celebrations in the United States.
The full schedule for the 2026 summer displays begins on May 29 in Torbay for the English Riviera Airshow, followed by the Midlands Air Festival over the weekend. The team will also perform at events across the UK, mainland Europe, and the United States throughout the summer and into September.
Official Statement from the RAF
A spokesperson for the RAF stated: “The Red Arrows are the pride of the nation, known globally for their world-class precision, speed, and teamwork. The Red Arrows will fly in a nine-aircraft formation for HM The King’s Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250th Commemorations in the USA this year. For other displays, they will operate with seven aircraft, continuing to deliver high-quality, engaging displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield. This will support the sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepare the team for a transition to a future aircraft type.”
Royal International Air Tattoo Cancelled
In related news, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), originally scheduled for July 16-18, has been cancelled due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The RAF Air Cadets HQ stated that it would not be “safe” or “possible” to hold the event with increased missions operating from RAF Fairford and the force needing to be on standby around the clock.
The statement added: “We understand that this news will cause a great deal of concern, disappointment, and frustration for many of you. RIAT is the absolute highlight of the year for so many of our cadets and adult volunteers, and we know just how much passion, time, and meticulous planning our community had already poured into preparing for this summer’s event. To see that hard work halted so close to the event is deeply upsetting for all of us.”
Ticket holders will have the option to roll over their tickets to the 2027 event, receive a full refund, or donate the cost to the RAF Charitable Trust. Gavin Gager, CEO of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, expressed disappointment but looked forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027.
