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

• The 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 FULL

Red Arrows to use just seven aircraft until 2030 due to ageing engines