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Wing Commander Jon Bond

About Wing Commander Jon Bond

Red 1 - Team Leader

Years with the Red Arrows: The 2026 season will be Jon's third year as Team Leader

Joined the RAF: 2006

RAF CAREER

Following advanced flying training, Jon was selected to be a “Creamie” qualified flying instructor on the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. The term Creamie is traditionally given to pilots who are selected to become flying instructors due to being above average through their advanced flying training. He was the Tucano display pilot in 2012. Jon was then posted to RAF Coningsby, where he flew the Typhoon FGR4 with 3(F) Squadron. During his frontline tour, Jon flew various operations, including providing Quick Reaction Alert to safeguard the skies in the UK, Lithuania and the Falkland Islands. During a previous period with the Red Arrows, Jon led the Synchro Pair and completed tours to the Gulf region, mainland Europe and North America. More recently, he has been in planning role at the RAF’s Display Wing Headquarters. He joined the Red Arrows as Team Leader and Red 1 for the 2024 season.

EDUCATION AND LIFE BEFORE THE RAF

  • Born and brought up in Essex
  • Attended Chigwell School
  • Studied air transport management at Loughborough University and later gained an MSc
  • Was a member of the East Midlands Universities’ Air Squadron, flying the Grob Tutor