The new 2023 season of events is getting underway for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows who will be flying a more dynamic and updated display. During the season the team will perform more than 60 displays at various locations both in the UK and overseas.
It’s especially pleasing to achieve this feat in a shortened work-up period – the team usually has longer to train but only concluded its 2022 season in December, due to our return from a very successful tour to the Gulf and Egypt."
People watching the team at events in 2023 will spot the Wall arrival, with an arena-filling Union flag-coloured spectacle to announce the start of the display. In patriotic tribute to the Coronation – where the Red Arrows were seen by a huge, global television audience carrying out a flypast over London – the front section of the team is performing a vertical break during the second half of the show, with red, white and blue smoke trails.
Squadron Leader Bould said: "What has not changed, however, this year is a focus on inspiring individuals of all ages and backgrounds with this display of teamwork. Indeed, creating a safe, visually-appealing and world-class demonstration takes detailed planning, dedicated preparation and a pursuit of excellence by all involved – hallmarks found across the Royal Air Force."
The Red Arrows’ first show is at the Midlands Air Festival on June 2 and the last one of 2023 is in October.
The ground crew, who number more than 110 and include engineers and support staff, also changed their coveralls following PDA, into their royal blue flying suits, giving them their collective name – ‘the Blues’.
In addition to these dates, people can enjoy a ground and online engagement programme, often working with schools and cadet groups to promote themes including leadership, teamwork and the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Full list of displays.....
