AIR TATTOO 2024
FAIFORD AIR BASE
INGHILTERRA
19Th & 21Th July 2024
Held from 19 to 21 July 2024 at the RAF base in Faiford, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024 remains one of the most important air events in the world. Now in its 49th edition, this year saw the participation of 248 aircraft from 29 nations and a turnout of about 150,000 visitors. Despite the climate of great uncertainties worldwide on various political fronts, the event offers an extraordinary spectacle every year, enriched by historical celebrations, technological innovations and breathtaking performances. A four days of pure adrenaline for all lovers of military and civil aviation.
McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II Spanish Navy
Each edition of the Air Tattoo revolves around certain themes, themes usually designed to celebrate historical moments in aviation such as anniversaries, innovations or historical moments. The 2024 edition wanted to celebrate three important milestones: "Pushing the Boundaries in Air & Space": a celebration of aerospace innovations, featuring experimental aircraft, sustainable prototypes and test platforms from around the world. 50th Anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon: A commemoration of the iconic multi-role fighter, with displays of variants of the F-16 by several international air forces. The line of F-16 Special Color is wonderful NATO's 75th Anniversary: A tribute to the Atlantic Alliance, culminating in a spectacular multinational air formation led by an RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint.
McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet Canada - Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) had a standout presence at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024, held from 19 to 21 July at RAF Fairford Air Force Base in the UK. The event coincided with the centenary of the RCAF, celebrated with one of the most significant participations ever seen by the Canadian side in Europe. The performance of the CF-188A Hornet, piloted by Captain Caleb "Tango" Robert, was extraordinary. The aircraft, decorated with a special centenary livery, also flew in formation with a Spitfire Mk Vb from the Fighter Collection, paying homage to the historical ties between the RCAF and the RAF.
The Italian Air Force had a significant presence at the Royal International Air Tattoo with a varied static exhibition and spectacular aerial performances underlining the excellence and versatility of Italian military aviation.
Spitfire LF Mk.Vb, EP120 G-LFVB - The Fighter Collection
The winner of the prestigious Sir Douglas Bader Trophy at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024 was Lieutenant Commander Andrés Medina González of the Spanish Navy, for his outstanding performance with the AV-8B Harrier II. His performance impressed both the audience and the jury, even earning him the RAFCTE Trophy for the best foreign demonstration. The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy is awarded annually to the best individual performance during the RIAT, in honour of the heroic British pilot of the Second World War. Captain Medina González's victory underscores the skill and precision of the Spanish Navy in flying the Harrier II, an aircraft known for its vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
RIAT 2024 confirmed that the event is not only a celebration of air power, but also a platform for cooperation and diplomacy between armed forces from around the world. It was an opportunity to showcase the evolution of military technology, but also to inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians and pilots. The 2025 edition, scheduled from 18 to 20 July, will be particularly significant: it will mark the 50th edition of the RIAT, with the theme "Eyes in the Skies", dedicated to surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
GALLERY
