Red Arrows welcome new team leader ahead of milestone 60th display season
The Royal Air Force's aerobatic display team has welcomed a new team leader.
Squadron Leader Jon Bond has now begun work building a nine-aircraft display for the Red Arrows' 60th diamond season.
The new Red 1, called the position a "great honour", and teased that "there is much to look forward to in 2024" for the Red Arrows.
'Return to trademark Diamond Nine formation'
Sqn Ldr Bond said: "It is with great honour and pride that I take up this position for the Red Arrows' 60th display season. There is much to look forward to in 2024."
He added: "Most importantly, it is absolutely our intent to reset, rebuild and return to our trademark Diamond Nine formation – not seen since 2021.
"Our preparations for next year start in just a few days, with our aim to begin the historic season in May."
New pilots
A further three brand-new Red Arrows pilots are joining the team for the 2024 season to allow the nine-jet formation to be built.
As Red 1, Sqn Ldr Bond will co-ordinate their training and design and will choreograph the aerobatic show and lead the formation.
Originally from Essex and a Loughborough University graduate, Sqn Ldr Bond joined the RAF in 2006 and flew the Typhoon aircraft operationally – providing Quick Reaction Alert to safeguard the skies above the UK.
To be Red 1, a pilot must have previously served as a team member.
During his previous tour with the Red Arrows, Sqn Ldr Bond was the Synchro Leader in 2020 and 2021 – one of the two pilots who fly the most dynamic parts of the show.
More recently, he has been in a staff role as part of the RAF's Display Headquarters, overseeing long-term planning requirements.
He succeeds Sqn Ldr Tom Bould, whose three-year term in the role concluded this week with the end of the 2023 display season.
Training for a new season gets under way shortly at the team's home base of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
The Red Arrows were formed in 1964, with the team's first public appearance being staged a year later when 65 shows were performed during the summer.
Since then, some 5,000 displays have been carried out across consecutive seasons, in 57 countries – aiming to inspire those watching, showcase the RAF, aid recruitment to the Armed Forces and support a range of UK interests at home and overseas.
Plans for the 60th diamond season are under way, with requests for flypasts and displays being received by the RAF ceremonial and air events team, which co-ordinates and tasks the Red Arrows and other display assets.
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