RIAT Special Feature

AIR FORCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD PUT ON A FANTASTIC SHOWCASE DESPITE INCLEMENT WEATHER

On a dreary Saturday, the approach to RAF Fairford, with big grey clouds looming in the sky belied the exciting, energetic and all-around fantastic event that was waiting just beyond the barriers surrounding the airfield, the 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo.

From the moment you stepped into the static aircraft display area, you could feel the anticipation of the crowds as they awaited the flying displays.

There was such a variety of static aircraft on show from 40 international delegations showcasing the theme of this years Royal International Air Tattoo, SKYTANKERS.

Celebrating the past 100 years of air to air refuelling and the strategic importance of that capability to air

forces from around the world it also allows the sharing of best practices.

Also marking its centenary was the Italian Air Force, with RIAT honouring and recognising the unique contribution that it has made to the evolution of air power. The long-standing working relationship with the UK will be continued for many years to come with the work on the Global Combat Air Programme along with Japan.

At the request of the Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc was invited to attend RIAT, and alongside Air Commodore Veronica Pickering, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, both were guests at the Patron’s Pavilion.

The grey clouds that were seen on

the approach to the day were unfortunately not just for show, however despite their best efforts to dump as much water as physically possible on the crowds, the love and joy for the aircraft and air crews on show wasn’t dampened by the adverse weather. Once the sun started to shine again, broad smiles emerged from their hiding places and continued on their way through the show

The weather did unfortunately claim some displays including the Battle of Britain flypass of a Lancaster due to the combination of high winds, low clouds and rain, however crowd favourites including the Red Arrows and the Saudi Hawks continued unhampered, much to the delight of the crowds.

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l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin with Air Commodore Veronica Pickering

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin withAir Marshal Sir David Walker

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin with Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam and Air Commodore Veronica Pickering

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In the Patron’s Pavilion, specially invited guests, both civilian, business and high ranking military along with their wives and partners who were also exquisitely dressed from around the world came together to enjoy a meal, network and of course, the fantastic skill and ability of the pilots on show in the air over their heads. Welcoming more than 200,000 people over the course of the 3 day event, the scope and scale of RIAT is unlike anything else. Even having experienced the Cosford Air Show previously, I was taken aback by everything going on on the day. The military precision was on show from a few miles away from RAF Fairford with brilliant directions, road markings and routes planned out for every type

of visitor from every direction, leading us straight to where we needed to be.

With 25 different nations showcasing 253 participating aircraft, in addition to 48 Air Chiefs from countries all over the world also in attendance, it really cemented the fact that this is a worldwide airshow celebrating the best of the best.

Unfortunately the inclement weather affected all three days of RIAT, however it didn’t stop a wonderful event from happening, with only some of the displays grounded. RIAT returns from 19th - 21st July 2024 and promises to be yet another world class event, with tickets on sale now at www.airtattoo.com, so make sure you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment!

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin and Lady Nicky Pulford

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin with Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and Air Commodore Veronica Pickering

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin, Air Commodore Veronica Pickering, Angela Essel, Head of the Joint Security and Resilience Centre at the Home Office, Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin with other guests at the Patron's Pavillion including Squadron Leader Jayne Robertson, Felicity Chadwick-Histed, Mr Bob

Bob Taylor, Mrs Jan Cole and Air Commodore Edward Cole

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin with Mr Chauncery McIntosh & Tamara McIntosh