A list of locations where people can see the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team display during a major tour of North America has been released…
The confirmed displays include appearances by the Red Arrows in Canada and on both the east and west coasts of the United States, with more events expected to be announced in the weeks to come.
Speaking from Nellis Air Base, Nevada, UK Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said: “I am delighted people all over the US and Canada will be able to see our world-famous Red Arrows in action. Previous tours have generated huge amounts of investment for the UK, and we hope the team lighting up the skies of two of our closest defence allies will bring more of the same.”
The team will fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 tour this summer, expecting to arrive in Canada on August 8. During the deployment – which will be the largest to the region in a generation – the Red Arrows will help to support a range of British interests and promote trade and co-operation, as part of the United Kingdom’s prosperity agenda.
As well as displaying at locations and shows across North America, the team will also attend several engagements on the ground, coordinated by the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the UK Government’s GREAT campaign.
The first locations being confirmed for where the Red Arrows will display are:
- Ottawa – Gatineau-Ottawa Airshow
- Chicago – Air and Water Show
- Atlantic City – Thunder Over The Boardwalk
- New York – New York Airshow, Stewart International
- Toronto – Canadian International Airshow
- St. Louis – Spirit of St. Louis Airshow & STEM Expo
- Portland-Hillsboro – The Oregon International Airshow
- Los Angeles (Huntington Beach) – The Great Pacific Airshow
Other public events, display locations and flypasts are still to be set, with engagement opportunities planned from coast-to-coast. Further announcements will follow as confirmations are made.
Preparations are already being carried out to create a memorable and visually-exciting display to be enjoyed by people watching throughout the latest deployment.
Squadron Leader Martin Pert, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Confirming this initial group of display locations where we will perform in North America is not just exciting for those people hoping to attend these events – but also for the whole Red Arrows team as well.
“Air and ground crews are now hard at work, preparing the display which will be seen by audiences in the UK, US and Canada this summer, while detailed planning is well underway to carefully, and safely, plot our overseas tour. With these airshows announced, we can now join friends and fans alike in visualising what people will be able to enjoy when the Red Arrows make our biggest ever visit to the US and Canada.”
