This was the view of Air Tattoo Director and co-founder Tim Prince who said there was little more his team of 3,000 volunteers and 44 permanent staff could have done to put on a more spectacular airshow.

He said: “Everyone I have spoken to has said what a wonderful time they have had and how much they have enjoyed the day. Not only do we try and pull out all the stops during our flying display but we have tried to provide a wide range of entertainment on the ground for people to enjoy.

“The team has risen to the challenge of improving on last year's Air Tattoo and this has been reflected in the increased attendance for this year.”

Early indications suggest that around 167,000 people attended this year's Air Tattoo, an increase of around four per cent on last year.

Among the highlights of the flying display were the UK debuts of the V-22 Osprey and the MiG-29OVT plus three joint flypasts; one by the Red Arrows and a VC-10, another by the Patrouille Suisse and the PC-21 and another by the Spanish display team, the Patrulla Aguila and a Spanish Air Force Typhoon.

On the ground, the enthusiasm and friendliness of the aircrews, in particular the Royal Jordanian Air Force aircrew and the Pakistan Air Force aircrew, won the hearts of many.

Indeed, the crew of the Pakistan Air Force C-130 Hercules will be departing RAF Fairford tomorrow with two trophies: It won the Page Aerospace Trophy for the best static aircraft on display and the BAE Systems 'Spirit of the Meet' Trophy was awarded to its crew.

In the air, the display by the Russian MiG-29OVT, piloted by Paul Vlasov, won the As The Crow Flies Trophy, voted for by around 1,500 aircraft enthusiasts who are members of the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Among the guests to attend over the weekend were Sir David Jason, Jeremy Clarkson and legendary Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Other guests included HRH the Duke of Kent, HRH Lieutenant General Prince Feisal bin Hussein and his son Prince Omar, the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Secretary of the US Air Force Mr Michael Wynne.

In total around 300 aircraft participated in this year's airshow from around 24 countries. The crew from the Royal Australian Air Force 707 travelled the furthest: from Richmond, New South Wales.

Despite the large number of people who attended on the two days, there were relatively few major traffic problems. Admissions co-ordinator Peter Williams said: “On Saturday morning, visitors travelling on our 'blue' route from the M4 experienced delays simply due to the increased volume of traffic. The other routes were fine.

“On Saturday evening there was some delay with cars exiting the Green route heading north and west and this was primarily caused by people leaving earlier-than-expected because of the heat. However, on Sunday evening, departures along all of the routes were much more measured.

“I think people do expect a certain amount of queuing with an event the size of ours but it is our job to minimize this. I think this was, in most cases, achieved.”

Over the weekend, 25 children became separated from their parents but all were reunited. During the airshow, 232 people attended the medical centre or first aid points in the showground suffering from conditions ranging from heat exhaustion to cuts. The medical team received 45 requests for an ambulance and three people were subsequently transferred to hospital – one a child with suspected meningitis.

Ian and Helen Meek with niece Megan and nephew Scott, from Shaw Hill in Swindon, were in the airfield by mid morning. “We got in without any problems,” said Ian, “and thoroughly enjoyed the day. There were plenty of things to do for the family and it was good value for money.” While Scott enjoyed the flying display, Megan thought that the stalls were great and showed off some new bangles.

Meanwhile, Mrs Susan Cox, 57, from Greatworth near Banbury said: "We had a great day except it was a bit warm. But RIAT warned us to drink plenty of water." Her grandson Jonas said: "I loved the Red Arrows. It was really exciting when they flew straight at each other.” Husband Philip, 58, said: “I thought the identity tags provided for children was a really great idea. It made us feel confident that the children were safe.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is held in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

Tim Prince said: “The Trust was set up last year to support a wide range of RAF charities and to promote the RAF itself and encourage airmindedness in young people. It had enjoyed a very successful first year and now looks as though it will be enjoying a very good second year thanks to the support we received at the weekend by so many wonderful people.”