Given the current restrictions in the UK and many European partner nations to contain the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the decision has been taken not to send the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, overseas for work-up training this year.
While this is usually done to guarantee better weather, continuity of highly-skilled flying practice and to accelerate the team's preparedness for a busy season, 2020 will clearly not be a normal campaign.
It is the intention of the RAF that the Red Arrows will maintain their capabilities, when the current situation enables the team to do so.
There is also a requirement for skill and knowledge retention for the medium to long-term within the team, so that the Red Arrows can continue to be deployed as a valuable National asset and symbol of UK excellence at the appropriate time.
Updates will be given as the details of the Red Arrows' commitment to displays this season becomes clearer.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- The running and staging of airshows is the responsibility of event organisers.
- The Red Arrows remain ready to work with event organisers and others, responding and adapting to the rapidly changing situation as it develops.
