Space-themed air show lifts off in 2024

ONE of Gloucestershire’s biggest events has announced its theme for next year and it will involve cutting-edge equipment and space-age technology.

As always, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford will be back with fast jet displays and three days of one of the world’s largest aviation extravaganzas.

But RIAT 2024’s theme will be “Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space”, which will put a spotlight on one of the most exciting parts of aviation at the moment, the burgeoning space sector.

There will be displays of new technology from some of the people developing the next step in the race for space, alongside displays from the world’s air forces.

Next year’s air show at RAF Fairford will take place over the weekend July 19 to 21, 2024, with three days of displays of aerial cunning and technological finesse from some of the world’s top pilots, as well as the usual static displays on the ground of some of the biggest and high-tech planes from militaries across the globe. There are always plenty of fast jets and big bombers, but next year’s RIAT will focus on one jet in particular – The F-16 ‘Fighting Falcon’.

The F-16, an iconic lightweight supersonic fighter jet that is a staple of air forces around the world, will be turning 50 at RIAT24 and the show’s organisers will be celebrating the iconic combat plane with flying and static displays. Last year the US Air Force announced plans to keep the F-16 running for another 20 years despite initial plans to replace it with the new F-35.

RIAT’s organisers, the RAF Charitable Trust, said: “RIAT24 marks the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s first flight and RIAT will host a global celebration of this impressive combat jet. Join us to see a fantastic static line-up of Fighting Falcons from around the world as well as spectacular F-16 flying displays.

“In addition, our operational theme will be Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space, where we will be highlighting the important work of flight test and evaluation in modern aviation, with aircraft and organisations from around the world, showcasing their latest technological developments.”

You can purchase discounted early bird tickets for each day of the Royal International Air Tattoo from the website airtattoo.com