In a competitive selection process the BBMF has recruited two new volunteer ‘Bomber’ pilots to join the Flight for the 2025 display season.
Flight Lieutenant ‘Ged’ Swann is currently a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) flying the Embraer Phenom 100 (Phenom T1) with 45 Squadron at Cranwell, training multi-engine pilots and mission air crew.
Flight Lieutenant ‘Kev’ Holmes previously flew the C130J Hercules, including an exchange tour with the US 15th Special Operations Squadron based in Florida. He now flies the Atlas C.1 A400M from Brize Norton, currently with 24 Squadron, the operational conversion unit, but is soon to be posted to 70 Squadron which provides strategic air transport worldwide.
Both pilots will continue to fulfil their primary duties with the RAF, and will fly with the BBMF as part-time volunteers. Initially, during the 2025 display season, these two new BBMF pilots will be flying the C-47 Dakota.
Also joining the the team is Squadron Leader Ben Polwin, who will join the Flight as the new Operations Officer.
Squadron Leader Polwin is a previous Tornado GR4 and Typhoon pilot, as well as a Hawk T2 Instructor, and his latest "claim to fame" was winning the Schneider Trophy in his homebuilt RV7. Ben will take up his new role later this year, with 2026 being his first display season.
