The Royal Air Force (RAF) has announced that the Red Arrows aerobatic team will fly with seven jets for most of their 2024 displays instead of the usual nine. This decision is aimed at preserving the ageing Hawk T1 aircraft fleet, which has been in service since 1980 and is facing increasing maintenance challenges.
The RAF confirmed that the full nine-jet formation will only perform twice in 2026: during the King’s Birthday Flypast in June and the United States’ 250th anniversary Independence Day celebrations in July.
The Hawk T1 fleet, operated by the Red Arrows since 1980, is due to retire in March 2030. With aircraft parts becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, the RAF is adopting measures to extend the lifespan of the jets.
An RAF spokesperson stated that the move supports the “sustainable management of the Hawk T1 fleet” as the aircraft nears retirement. This approach ensures continued displays while safeguarding the limited resources available.
Originally published by UKNIP.
