THE United Kingdom’s aerobatic display team, the Red Arrows, will visit Canada later this year to help mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial.
A five-week tour will include dynamic displays, colourful flypasts and ground engagements.
Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows will take part in a series of Canadian airshows in late-August and September.
It is expected millions of people will get chance to see the team perform during the visit.
The tour is also taking place during a milestone year for the Red Arrows, with 2024 being its 60th Diamond Season.
British High Commissioner to Canada, Susannah Goshko, said: “It’s fantastic that on the 100th anniversary of the RCAF, the Red Arrows have chosen to come to Canada to celebrate our shared military ties.
“In their own 60th Anniversary year, the Red Arrows tour across Canada will be both a joy to watch and a fantastic way to highlight the close and enduring relationship between our two Air Forces.”
The visit to Canada, named Maple Hawk, follows an invitation made by the Royal Canadian Air Force and complements commitments by the Red Arrows at UK events this summer.
Lieutenant-General E.J. Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force, said: “I am thrilled the Royal Air Force Red Arrows will join the Royal Canadian Air Force this summer as we celebrate the RCAF Centennial and we look forward to the Red Arrows’ impressive performances.
The Red Arrows’ participation in select airshows in Canada not only underscores the strength of our enduring relationship with the Royal Air Force but promises Canadians an incredible showcase of precision and flying skill.
“With 2024 marking the Centennial of the RCAF, we invite all Canadians to join the festivities by participating in Centennial events and activities taking place across the country.”
There will be appearances at established airshows in Canada by the Red Arrows, including:
- Air Show Atlantic – Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, Nova Scotia (August 24 and 25)
- Canadian International Air Show – Toronto, Ontario (August 31, September 1 and 2)
- Airshow London – London International Airport, Ontario (September 13, 14 and 15)
- Aero Gatineau-Ottawa – Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport, Quebec (September 6, 7 and 8)
Flypasts are being planned at Montreal, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and St Johns – subject to final approvals.
In addition to the flying, a programme of outreach events will encourage a focus on the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. This mirrors a similar approach to when the Red Arrows last visited Canada in 2019, which saw tens of thousands of people taking part in ground events and engagements.
One of the roles of the Red Arrows is to support a range of UK interests overseas – spanning trade, business, education and defence – and the team has displayed in 57 countries since its first season in 1965.
Wing Commander Adam Collins, Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The Red Arrows are excited, and honoured, to return to Canada to help celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
“The visit will highlight the strength of the long and enduring partnership between the United Kingdom’s military and Canada’s Armed Forces. We’re looking forward to the prospect of meeting countless people, performing our new Diamond Season display and creating many memories and great moments at airshows and events.”
The Red Arrows aim to inspire those watching through a trademark combination of close formation flying, thrilling aerobatics and exceptional teamwork.
This year’s new display routine consists of nine of the team’s distinctive red-livered BAE Systems Hawk fast-jets. Each of the aircraft features special artwork applied for 2024, in recognition of the Red Arrows’ diamond anniversary.
Speaking about the season ahead, Squadron Leader Jon Bond, who is the Team Leader – flying as Red 1 at the front of the nine-jet formation – said: “Having been to many airshows as a child, I hope our new team and exciting show will have the same impact on those watching in 2024 as it did on me as a young person – to be inspired through what teamwork can achieve and spur a lifelong passion for aviation.
“I've been very fortunate to display in Canada previously and I know the shows are always well-attended, with enthusiastic crowds. All of us in the Red Arrows can’t wait for Maple Hawk and the opportunity to showcase the Royal Air Force and UK at these brilliant events and locations.”
At the team’s home base of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, UK, preparations for the new season are underway, with the first nine-aircraft formation of the year flown earlier this week during a training sortie.
It is expected the first public show of the 2024 campaign will be in late-May, with the Red Arrows’ season running until early-October. Dates for UK and mainland European shows – coordinated by the RAF’s Events Team – will be released shortly but are likely to includes events in May, June, July, the first half of August and October.
Continue checking the Red Arrows’ online and social media channels for more information on the Maple Hawk tour and the Diamond Season.
