Red Arrows soar into 60th anniversary air show displays with special Diamond Season

The iconic Red Arrows are celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2024 with a special Diamond Season of aerial displays.

A new nine-aircraft show will mark the milestone season, featuring manoeuvres not seen for a generation in the Red Arrows' display routine, which changes every year.

And as a further part of their anniversary campaign, the Royal Air Force aerobatic team have unveiled special artwork that will be featured on each of the Hawk jets.

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The Red Arrows took off in 1964, blending previous RAF teams into one. Their first public show at Little Rissington in May 1965 kicked off their inaugural display season.

Since then, they've wowed audiences with nearly 5,000 performances in 57 countries.

From small country fairs to big air shows and even state occasions, they have left their mark on aviation history.

The anniversary artwork, adorning both sides of the fuselage and tail of the team’s aircraft, commemorates the Diamond Season with finesse.

Featuring the sleek outlines of two Red Arrows Hawk jets, the design elegantly trails patriotic colours, symbolising the team's proud heritage and remarkable journey.

"The logos are a subtle yet stylish nod towards the team’s heritage, but are also a reminder that our aim is very much to inspire for the future," said Squadron Leader Bond, the Red Arrows' Team Leader this season.

"For example, many of the events we’ll be part of this year will bring people together to encourage individuals to look at the importance of the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths and the role they play in powering the work of the RAF."

The first public show of their 2024 campaign is expected to take place at the end of May.

UK and mainland European displays are expected to be staged in May, June, July, the first half of August and early October, with the dates to be released shortly.

A tour to Canada, named Maple Hawk, will not take place until the second half of August and follows an invitation made by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

 "The Red Arrows are excited and honoured to return to Canada in 2024 to help celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Wing Commander Adam Collins, the Officer Commanding of the aerobatic team.