RIAT 2006 News Release
CANCELLATIONS
The Slovak Air Force has announced with regret that it will have to withdraw from its planned participation in this year’s Royal international Air Tattoo.
The Air Tattoo was informed last week that due to delays in making their aircraft NATO compliant, all foreign airshow participation by Slovak aircraft would be cancelled.
The Slovaks were due to bring two MiG-29s, one for the flying display and one for static display. The support aircraft was an An-26.
An Air Tattoo spokesman said that whilst it was disappointing, airshow organisers fully understood the Slovaks’ need to give priority to the upgrades.
“Displays by the MiG-29 are always very popular so it is a great shame the Slovaks will not be bringing theirs. However, there is still a Mig-29 in the flying programme - the latest version from the MiG factory - and now we shall look forward to that even more. Let’s hope they can join us at next year’s Air Tattoo!”
The news from Slovakia came shortly after an announcement by the Italian Navy that it too would no longer be able to take part in this year’s Air Tattoo.
The Italian Navy had planned to bring two EH101s for static display and two AV-8B Harriers, also static. The reason stated was financial pressures.
So far, around 170 aircraft have confirmed they will be taking part in this year’s Air Tattoo and a new update is scheduled for Friday, May 26.
Among the highlights of this year’s airshow will be the UK flying display debut of the V-22 Osprey, a display by the latest MiG-29 OVT, the F/A-18 Super Hornet piloted by Ricardo Traven plus the last ever public display by the legendary RAF Canberra.