The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team have officially launched their 52nd display season, marking the start of another summer of precision flying across the UK and beyond. Following months of winter preparation and evaluation, the team has been granted Public Display Authority (PDA), confirming they are cleared to perform for millions of spectators at airshows and national occasions.
The 2026 programme begins a busy international season running through to October, with dozens of displays planned across the UK, mainland Europe, and the United States.
The first UK appearance is scheduled for 29 May at the English Riviera Airshow in Torbay, one of the highlights of the early summer aviation calendar.
Winter Training, Precision Development and PDA Approval
The PDA authorisation follows an intensive training period based at RAF Waddington, where pilots and engineers refine both flying routines and aircraft readiness ahead of the season.
The team’s aircraft, the BAE Systems Hawk T1, undergo extensive preparation alongside development of the new 2026 display profile.
Final pre-season refinement took place in Greece during Exercise Springhawk, where consistent weather conditions allowed the team to polish formations and test the updated routine under optimal flying conditions. The deployment also brought together wider RAF support elements to assist in readiness and evaluation.
The PDA assessment reviewed every aspect of operations, including flying standards, engineering procedures, safety management, and public engagement planning. It was overseen by senior RAF leadership, including Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Jackson OBE BSc (Hons) RAF.
Leadership Perspective on the Achievement
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, highlighted the scale of preparation behind the approval:
“PDA is the culmination of seven months of intensive winter training, including the design and refinement of a new, dynamic display, the challenge of operating through prolonged periods of poor weather and the continued maintenance and preparation of our Hawk T1 aircraft.
“Attaining PDA signifies that our display has been independently assessed as consistently meeting the high standards of precision and excellence that we strive for.
“It confirms we are ready to perform for audiences around the world and that our activity is conducted safely and in full compliance with all regulatory requirements.”
He also emphasised the team’s transition into the display season:
“I am continually impressed by the professionalism, dedication and talent demonstrated by every single member of the Red Arrows. We are a team united with one clear purpose and a collective pride in everything we achieve together.
“It is a privilege to lead such an inspiring group of people and an honour to work alongside personnel who are genuinely passionate about their role.
“As we don our famous red and blue flying suits, our focus now shifts to delivering a successful display season.
“We look forward to representing the skills and talents of the Royal Air Force and the very best of British aviation, both at home and overseas.
“We take great pride in inspiring future generations, engaging with young people and communities and demonstrating what can be achieved through teamwork, dedication and ambition.
“Through our displays and flypasts, we aim not only to entertain and bring a smile from those who watch us, but to bring people together and leave a lasting impression – encouraging others to dream big and pursue their own ambitions.”
2026 Display Highlights and International Tour
This year’s programme includes a refreshed display design featuring manoeuvres not flown for decades, combining large formation flying with complex precision sequences.
Wing Commander Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1 for 2026, leads the display design. He explained the scale of change in the new routine:
“The 2026 show has manoeuvres not performed for 30 years, with dynamic additions and very complex flying for the pilots.
“The opening half of the routine has large, sweeping formations that use all the aircraft in the widest and longest shapes possible, to generate the visual impact Red Arrows crowds expect.
“And the thrilling display remains until the very end, with a distinctive showstopper called Cascade in the full version of the display. It was last flown in 1997 and has a powerful loop to around 6,500ft, directly in front of the crowd, which leads into a coordinated fan-out to a wall formation.”
He added:
“Designing the show is always a challenge – juggling lots of different considerations. But it is also one of the most satisfying parts of the role.
“However, getting the crowd’s reaction is always the biggest reward.
“Don’t forget to share your pictures of a new shape, or favourite formation with us online – we always love seeing these images and knowing all of the planning and training has been worth it!”
A Season Built on Scale, Skill and Spectacle
The 2026 season will see the Red Arrows perform across the UK, Europe, and during a month-long tour of the United States marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Backed by a support team of around 140 engineers, technicians, and specialists, the RAFAT enters the new season in full operational readiness—transitioning from winter training into a packed summer programme designed to showcase precision flying at its highest level.