The Royal Air Force Red Arrows announced today that they will embark on a five-week overseas tour, joining the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori in celebrating the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

To add to the celebrations, the Red Arrows will also be celebrating their 60th anniversary, calling the 2024 display season their Diamond Anniversary Campaign. Special artwork has been unveiled and will be carried on each of the team’s distinctive Hawk jets for the duration of the season. Additionally, 2024 will mark the return of a nine-aircraft display, something that hasn’t been done since 2021 due to training and safety concerns. This also means the Red Arrows will introduce maneuvers not seen for over generation in their display.

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, who will be the Team Leader – flying as Red 1 – for the first time in 2024, said: “The whole of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is focussed on celebrating 60 display seasons in the best way possible – performing the Red Arrows’ trademark Diamond Nine formation in our diamond year, for families to enjoy across the United Kingdom and further afield.”

The Red Arrows formed in 1964, as an amalgamation of previous RAF teams, with a first public performance at Little Rissington in May 1965 – heralding the inaugural display season. Since then, almost 5,000 shows have been completed in 57 countries in front of hundreds of millions of people and at everything from country fairs and major airshows to international events and state occasions.

The 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. There will be a combination of flypasts, ground engagements and displays, with appearances at established airshows including:

• Air Show Atlantic – Greenwood, Nova Scotia

• Canadian International Air Show – Toronto, Ontario

• Airshow London – London, Ontario

• Aero Gatineau-Ottawa – Quebec

Wing Commander Adam Collins, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The Red Arrows are excited, and honoured, to return to Canada in 2024 to help celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force. “The visit will highlight the strength of the long and enduring partnership between the United Kingdom’s military and Canada’s Armed Forces. “Whether at home or overseas, we’re looking forward as a team – especially to the prospect of meeting countless people, performing our new Diamond Season display and creating many memories and great moments at airshows and events.”

For the latest regarding the Red Arrows’ 60th anniversary season and their 2024 overseas tour, be sure to stay tuned to our website and social media, including Facebook, X, and Instagram.