Red Arrows end 2024 with incredible nine-aircraft flight above RAF Waddington

The Red Arrows have performed the first nine-aircraft flight with the 2025 display team at RAF Waddington.

The pilots put on an incredible display and captured some remarkable pictures of their performance on what was their last flying day of the year.

The nine-aircraft flight was achieved through a building block approach which saw smaller sections training separately before all nine jets were flown as one formation.

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The team's leader, Squadron Leader Jon Bond, said on social media: "What a brilliant way to finish off the final day of flying for the year. It's been an amazing 2024, where we celebrated 60 seasons of displays.

"We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas."

The Red Arrows recruited two new pilots, Flight Lieutenants Rob Thomas and Andrew McEwen, into their ranks for next year's display season.

The men told BFBS Forces News that joining the RAF aerobatic display team had been a lifelong dream.

In turn, the team said goodbye to Flight Lieutenants Patrick Kershaw and Stuart Roberts, who completed three seasons with the Reds.