RIAT putting RAF centenary centre stage
A salute is being planned for next summer's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), as part of official national celebrations recognising the Royal Air Force's 100th anniversary.
Above:
The RAF Eurofighter Typhoon and Spitfire Synchro Pair at RIAT 2015.
Taking place on July 13-15, 2018, the airshow will mark the centenary with a full eight-hour flying programme on the Friday that will include a dramatic RAF centenary flypast and a Royal Review of aircraft.
As well as featuring aircraft from the RAF’s past, present and future, many military air arms from around the world are expected to be represented at the airshow to celebrate the close and enduring friendships they’ve forged with the RAF over the years.
To mark this special occasion, the Air Tattoo is extending its ‘under-16s go free’ policy to include all under-18s. Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The 2018 airshow is a very special event for both us and the Royal Air Force and, more than ever, we want to use it to inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, aircrew as well as all the associated trades. For one year only, we’re extending our free entry policy to include all under-18s, making the Air Tattoo more affordable and more accessible than ever.”
The Air Tattoo has been involved in the RAF’s centenary planning for the past three years and it will be among a number of exciting official events that will seek to commemorate, those who have served in the Royal Air Force, thank those who serve today and inspire those who might serve in the future.
The Royal Air Force was formed on April 1, 1918 and is the oldest independent air force in the world. Next year’s centenary celebrations will see the RAF join with its four main charities, the RAF Charitable Trust, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Forces Association and the RAF Museum to stage a series of public events under the banner RAF100.