The final additions to this year's Royal International Air Tattoo line-up have been announced. 

The annual three-day event at RAF Fairford will start on Friday, July 14, and thousands will flock to the airbase to see over 250 aircraft take part in either the flying or static displays.

This week the finishing touches were added to this year’s event, with the UK debut of the new Gripen E jet and RAF’s F-35B Lightning now included in the flying programme on all three days of the show.

They join a host of aircraft that have already been confirmed, such as fast jets including the Spanish Harrier, historic aircraft like the Messerschmitt 262 as well as a number of large refuelling aircraft, tying in with this year’s theme – SKYTANKER, which recognises the 100th anniversary since the first air-to-air refuelling manoeuvre. 

Swindon Advertiser: The Royal International Air TattooThe Royal International Air Tattoo (Image: Royal International Air Tattoo)

Head of air operations for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “We have a fantastic array of aircraft coming from around the globe for this year’s show, including five national aerobatic teams.

“Visitors on Saturday & Sunday will enjoy a 7 ½ hour flying display programme and an extensive static display on the ground with plenty of aircraft to view, and many of the larger aircraft planned to be open for visitors to explore.”

Following a complete sell-out for the first time ever last year, organisers are pleased with ticket sales ahead of next month’s show after already announcing a sell-out for Saturday, July 15 earlier this month.

With two weeks until lift-off, there are still tickets remaining for this year’s show but people are being urged to get them while they can, with less roughly 5,000 available for July 16 and only 1,000 remaining for July 14.

Paul Atherton, chief executive officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, added: “This year’s show is set to be another thrilling event, with all types of aircraft demonstrating their capabilities in the sky.

“Tickets for the event are going fast and we are expecting to sell out again shortly, so I would strongly encourage people who are thinking of joining us to make sure they get their tickets as soon as possible.”

To buy tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com