About RIAT:
• RIAT History
Location:
• Google Map
• County: Gloucestershire
• Satnav Postcode: GL7 4EG
• Showground Map 2019
Travel Information:
• AA Route Finder
• RAC Route Finder
• How to get there
• National Rail
• National Express
Accommodation:
• Travelodge
• Premier Inn
• TripAdvisor
• Hotels.com
• Agoda
• Official Campsite
• Camping - Kempsford Camping
• Camping - Totterdown Hill
• Camping - Townsend Farm
• Camping - Fairford F.C. Camping
• Highworth Guest house
Weather Forecast:
• General UK weather forecast
• Local weather Met Office
• Local weather BBC
RIAT Photographs & Reviews:
• Review RIAT 2019 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2018 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2017 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2016 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2015 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2014 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2013 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2013 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2012 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2012 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2011 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2010 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2010 (Fairford)
• Review RIAT 2009 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2008 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2007 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2006 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2005 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2004 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2003 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2002 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 2001 (Cottesmore)
• Photos RIAT 2000 (Cottesmore)
• Photos RIAT 1999 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 1998 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 1997 (Fairford)
• Photos RIAT 1996 (Fairford)
• Photos IAT 1995 (Fairford)
• Photos IAT 1994 (Fairford)
• Photos IAT 1993 (Fairford)
• Photos IAT '70s (Greenham Common)
Air Tattoo 2019 Free App:
• Android
• IOS
Scanner Frequencies / Live Radio:
• RIAT Scanner Frequencies
• Air Tattoo Live - 87.7 MHz
Checklists:
• Checklists
• Checklist RIAT 2019
• Checklist RIAT 2017
• Checklist RIAT 2016
• Checklist RIAT 2015
• Checklist RIAT 2011
• Checklist RIAT 2010
• Checklist RIAT 2008
• Checklist RIAT 2007
• Checklist RIAT 2003
• Checklist RIAT 2002
• Checklist RIAT 2001
• Checklist RIAT 2000
Trophy Winners:
• Trophy Winners 2019
• Trophy Winners 2018
• Trophy Winners 2017
• Trophy Winners 2016
• Trophy Winners 2015
• Trophy Winners 2014
• Trophy Winners 2013
• Trophy Winners 2012
• Trophy Winners 2011
• Trophy Winners 2010
• Trophy Winners 2009
• 2008 Cancelled
• Trophy Winners 2007
• Trophy Winners 2006
• Trophy Winners 2005
• Trophy Winners 2004
• Trophy Winners 2003
• Trophy Winners 2002
• Trophy Winners 2001
• Trophy Winners 2000
Website & Links:
• Official RIAT Website
• Official RIAT Facebook
• Official RIAT Twitter
• Official RIAT FAQ
• RAF Fairford
UK Airshows (England):
• Shuttleworth Airshows
• Duxford Airshows
• Royal International Air Tattoo
• Farnborough Airshow
• RAF Cosford Airshow
• Biggin Hill Festival of Flight
• Royal Navy International Air Day
• Abingdon Air & Country Show
• Dunsfold Wings & Wheels
• Midlands Air Festival
• Little Gransden Airshow
• Airbourne (Eastbourne) Airshow
• Southport Airshow
• Clacton Airshow
• Bournemouth Air Festival
• Sunderland Airshow
• Weston Air Festival
• Blackpool Airshow
• Torbay Airshow
• Teignmouth Airshow
UK Airshows (Wales):
• Wales National Air Show
• Rhyl Air Show
UK Airshows (Scotland):
• Scotland's National Airshow (East Fortune)
UK Airshows (Northern Ireland):
• Newcastle Festival of Flight
• Airwaves: Northern Ireland Int. Airshow (Portrush)
UK Airshows (Channel Islands):
• Jersey International Air Display
• Guernsey Air Display
Flypasts/Events 2019:
• Queen's Birthday Flypast 2019
• Tornado Farewell Flypasts 2019
• DAKS over Normandy
RIAT History
The first Air Tattoo was held at North Weald, Essex in 1971. North Weald was then still owned by the Ministry of Defence and it was was inactive so it had to be re-activated for the event. North Weald also hosted the Air Tattoo in 1972 but in 1973 the M11 motorway was being built close to North Weald's main runway so a new location was found for the Air Tattoo at RAF Greenham Common. Greenham Common hosted more aircraft and 2 days were allocated for the event. It was very successful and was hosted there in 1974 also.
In 1975 with the loss of the Director of the IAT, the withdrawal of a major sponsor, and an international fuel crisis there wasn't an Air Tattoo. However a proposal was put to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund which decided to support future Air Tattoos at Greenham Common. In 1976 the show became the International Air Tattoo (IAT). The 1977 IAT was the last of the annual International Air Tattoos, as it was then held every other year.
The International Air Tattoos in 1979, 1981, and 1983 became bigger and better but the 1983 IAT was the last to be held at Greenham Common due to the build up of cruise missile facilities and the reduced area for a large airshow. In 1985, RAF Fairford was chosen as the venue to host the Air Tattoo. The static display stretched for nearly 2 miles and was the longest single line-up ever presented in the UK. Fairford hosted the event biennially until 1993 and annually since then.
In recognition of its unique status, the current title of 'Royal International Air Tattoo' was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996.
During 2000 and 2001 the Royal International Air Tattoo was held at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland because RAF Fairford was having its runways resurfaced. RIAT returned back to RAF Fairford in 2002.
Day-specific tickets were introduced for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2008 because RIAT 2007 saw many more people attending on Saturday rather than Sunday because the weather was forecast was much better for Saturday. This resulted in traffic chaos and long queues on Saturday. It is thought that issuing day-specific tickets (Saturday or Sunday) which will have to be bought in advance (there will be no on-the-day tickets) will solve the problems of RIAT 2007. It is still possible to purchase a ticket which covers both saturday and Sunday but at a higher price.
The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2008 was cancelled both days (Saturday and Sunday) due to a sustained period of heavy rainfall resulting in waterlogged conditions in the public carparks and also the airfield. Unfortunately in 2008 the United States Air Force Air Combat Command's F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team had made the first trans-Atlantic flight to participate in the show. However, the F-22 Raptor appeared and displayed at RIAT 2010.
RIAT 2012 saw the debut of the excellent Black Eagles aerobatic team from South Korea.
RIAT 2014 was the first time in its history that the show has been open to the public on a Friday and included a flying display. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter was to make its anticipated European debut in 2014 but the type was grounded in the U.S. due to an F-35 engine failure so couldn't attend the Royal International Air Tattoo.
RIAT 2016 included the international display debut of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Six F-35 Lightning II were flown over to RAF Fairford in June 2016 to take part in the show. The six F-35s included three USAF F-35A Lightning II (conventional take off and landing variant), two USMC F-35B Lightning II (short-take off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant), and an RAF F-35B Lightning II. The F-22A Raptor also made a welcome return.
RIAT 2018 celebrated one hundred years of the Royal Air Force and had a full three days of airshows, with over 7 hours of flying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Press Releases and News for RIAT 2019:
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo Honours Top Displays...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Saturday sell out at Air Tattoo...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo to celebrate airline heritage...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Anniversary NATO Flypast to display at Air Tattoo...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo turns the sky Red, White and Green with exhilarating flying display...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
The brilliant Breitlings return to the Air Tattoo...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Ukrainian fast jet to star at Air Tattoo...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo Visitors Set to be Starstruck!..
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo visitors will be over the moon...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo takes centre stage in Reds' TV Salute ...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Red Arrows to perform Air Tattoo farewell before USA tour...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Iconic Jet to perform rare Air Tattoo Display...
• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo set to be out of this world...
Showground Attractions:
Not only do visitors to the Air Tattoo experience amazing aviation in the skies, there is also a whole host of entertainment on the ground. There is something for everyone at the 2019 show, from static aircraft located throughout the showground to interactive activities and the most advanced technologies that are demonstrated in the Techno Zone, visitors can also take a trip back in time to the 1940s in the Vintage Village.
Techno Zone - The Techno Zone has aviation at its heart and is where the STEM subjects; science, technology, engineering and maths, are brought to life and showcased with cutting edge exhibits and interactive activities designed to engage and inspire future engineers.
RAF Experience - The Royal International Air Tattoo's RAF Experience is where you can learn about current operations, the specialised equipment used and the ways in which members of the Regular and Reserve force come together to deliver effective, 21st century airpower capability.
Vintage Village - Inside the themed marquee will be packed a programme of wonderful entertainment, where you can experience the 1940s through vintage aircraft, cars, and fashion as musical hall entertainers transport visitors to a bygone era.
Activity Zone - The Activity Zone offers a great variety of family entertainment. Visitors can have a go at high energy activities and watch some fun-filled demonstrations.
BAE Systems Heritage Collection - Throughout the years, the aircraft designed and built by BAE Systems and its predecessor businesses have led the way in aircraft innovation. See them at the BAE Systems Heritage Collection.
There are three Service Stations which contain catering, marquee with seating, visitor information, free WiFi, cash points, picnic benches/seating, and toilets. There will also be plenty of trade stands as usual at RIAT 2019.
