RIAT organisers have announced that a special aircraft from abroad will be taking part in a highly anticipated flying display next summer.

The Royal Canadian Air Force have become the first nation to confirm their attendance at next year’s Royal International Air Tattoo which will be held at RAF Fairford between Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21.

They will be sending their McDonnell Douglas CF-188A Hornet to take part in the flying display, a display which has not been seen at the local airbase since 2018.

Organisers have also planned an exciting display within RIAT 2024's showground to mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial.

Head of air operations for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Peter Reoch said: “We are delighted to confirm our first participating aircraft for next year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, especially with the Canadian Hornet being a rare sight in British skies. 

“In addition to flying display, we are expecting a large Canadian presence in the static display at RAF Fairford in July as we mark their centenary, and we are looking forward to sharing more information in the coming months once additional aircraft types are confirmed.”
 
Brigadier-General Ron Walker, deputy commander force generation at 1 Canadian Air Division, and the former air advisor for the Canadian defence liaison staff in London, said: “The Royal Canadian Air Force have a long and proud history that is intertwined with the Royal Air Force. 

“We are looking forward to celebrating this history next summer at the Royal International Air Tattoo. 

“Being the world-renowned event it is, we are working hard to mark the RCAF Centennial at the show next July and visitors can expect to see a diverse array of our assets and culture on display.” 

More aircraft announcements for RIAT 2024 will be revealed in the spring.

To purchase tickets for the show visit www.airtattoo.com.