Those who knew Howard Wheeldon will remember his great affection for, and enthusiastic support, of the Royal International Air Tattoo, widely known as RIAT.
This summer’s event marks 40 years of Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford after the show first moved to Gloucestershire in 1985. Since then, it has seen millions of people come through the gates – in recognition of which, there will be a heritage centre on the showground full of timelines and photos from visitors over the years. This year’s show will be celebrating the role of aviation in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue and more under the theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’.
Every year, RIAT invites overseas display teams to fly. The 2024 show welcomed many from all over the world, including Norway with their Yellow Sparrows display team making their UK debut. Also welcomed were the Moroccan Air Force, returning for the first time since 1997, with their F-16s to celebrate 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. RIAT 2024 also recognised the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, plus the 75th anniversary of NATO. In 2024 168,000 people attended over the three days, including 50,000 school children.
This year’s instalment of the Royal International Air Tattoo boasts highlights both in the air and on the ground with a wide array of aircraft on the static display, as well as a hugely expanded Techno Zone and Inspire Stage where young people can fully immerse themselves in the world of STEM and listen to talks from the likes of astronaut, Tim Peake.
In terms of aircraft, the event’s international appeal continues to feature with the Egyptian Air Force becoming the 59th nation to participate and their Antonov An-74T set to star, meanwhile, there are further attractions in the air with the RAF’s Red Arrows and Typhoon both flying on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, plus displays from the ever-popular Battle of Britain Memorial and Italian Air Force display team the Frecce Tricolori.
RIAT is widely recognised as the best military air show in the world, attracting truly global participation and very high numbers of public visitors over the three-day period of the show. RIAT is also a unique Defence diplomacy and engagement event, drawing together senior political, military and industrial leaders from around the world.
The world of airpower is at a fascinating point, as the role of uncrewed air vehicles becomes more prominent. The recent decision by the UK government to acquire 12 F 35As reinforces the utility of manned aircraft, even as the role of autonomous air vehicles increases. The greater part of the UK’s defence exports consists of aircraft and allied materials. So there will be much to discuss ‘around the bazaars’ at Fairford, as there will be no opportunity to do so at Farnborough until next year.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust
Established in 1950, the RAF Charitable Trust is the charity which promotes the RAF and inspires young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology. Powered by the Royal International Air Tattoo, it is committed to reaching 500,000 young people with STEM educational engagements by 2026, and 500,000 a year after that. The reach afforded by RIAT puts the Trust in a unique position to act as a convener, working to bring the world of STEM, aviation and space to life for young people.
Trust activity is spread across three key areas: sponsoring and initiating national science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programmes; enabling hundreds of young people from the RAF, RAF Air Cadets, and across the UK more widely to learn to fly and to pursue a STEM career through flying and engineering scholarships; and supporting other smaller charities whose values and aims align with those of the Trust.
Moreover, RIAT hosts the well-established Techno Zone and Inspire Stage, which are designed to engage the many thousands of young people who visit the show with a myriad of interactive STEM-focussed exhibits and inspiring speakers. The current shortfall in STEM skills in the UK is acute
- Ca. 600,000 STEM-related job vacancies went unfilled in the UK in 2020 (CBI)
- An additional 1.8 million engineers/technicians are required by 2030 (EngineeringUK)
- Only 10% of UK graduates have engineering qualifications, and numbers are falling behind that required to replace retirees (Royal Academy for Engineers)
- Only 23% of UK STEM workforce and 17% of engineering professionals are female (EngineeringUK)
- Only 45% of the STEM teacher training requirement was achieved in 2023/24 (House of Commons Education Committee)
STEM skills and awareness are fundamental to National growth and prosperity, social mobility, and UK Defence capability
Looking forward – Inspiring future generations
To Inspire young people, inside the RAF and wider UK society, to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology the charity aims to deliver, with and through partners, access to and involvement in forward-looking air and space activities, including highly stimulating personal development opportunities. Picking up the Inspire theme, the Trust strives to inspire young people by funding engagement and development activities in air, space and technology.
This focus is on young people, broadly aged 5-25 years old, and within the RAF and wider society, with a particular emphasis on under-represented communities.
- Since COVID, RIAT has enabled 700,000 high quality STEM engagements
- This will pass 1,000,000 by RIAT26
- From 2026 RIAT will enable an annual programme of 500,000 Engagements
** Personal note: In the summer of 1945, my father, serving with the Glider Pilot Regiment was stationed at RAF Fairford. He was serving with 22 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit (HGCU) learning to fly Horsa gliders. The war against Japan was still going on, and there was work to do. He survived the war and went on to become a school teacher.
Nick Watts
07714 246478