The Red Arrows announce major change ahead of King’s birthday flypast

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Red Arrows will operate with seven aircraft for most displays until 2030, a reduction from their usual nine. This change is due to the ageing engines of their Hawk T1 fleet, which faces maintenance challenges and a scarcity of critical spare parts. The team will still perform in a nine-aircraft formation for significant events, including the King’s birthday flypast and the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence Day. All Hawk T1 aircraft remaining in the RAF's fleet are scheduled for retirement in 2030, a date extended by the Conservative government in 2021. The decision aims to ensure sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet and prepare the Red Arrows for a transition to a future aircraft type. In fullRed Arrows to use just seven aircraft until 2030 due to ageing enginesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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