Flightline UK - RIAT Press Release 17/10/2005

2006 Edition

Press Release (17/10/2005) - RIAT'06 - It's Full Speed Ahead For Air Tattoo

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have revealed that ‘Speed’ will be at the heart of next year’s airshow.

The Air Tattoo, which will take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday July 16, will focus on the ability of Armed Forces to react quickly and decisively to events around the globe.

These range from natural disasters like the 2004 Asian tsunami and the recent earthquake in Pakistan, to unfolding dramas such as the freeing of trapped Russian submariners by a British-led rescue team who were delivered to the scene by the RAF.

Called Rapid Global Effect, the operational theme will show how some of the world’s largest and most flexible aircraft - such as the USAF’s C-5 Galaxy and the RAF’s C-17 Globemaster III – combine with smaller aircraft, often helicopters, to get people and resources where they need to be, fast.

Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: “Nowadays, when we see humanitarian disasters unfolding on our TV screens, we sometimes take for granted the fact the Armed Forces are often capable of mobilising quickly and reaching far flung places with the personnel and equipment needed to bring relief. But to achieve this takes skill, preparation, teamwork and some of the most sophisticated aircraft and technology available.

“We would like to demonstrate to the public just what these brave people and awesome aircraft are capable of and look at the different ways in which they are able to reach around the world quickly and effectively in order to achieve the best result.”

A number of exciting speed-related set pieces – both on the ground and in the air – are already being planned for next summer and invitations have gone out to air forces across the world to take part.

For a limited period, a special Earlybird ticket has gone on sale, priced Ł25.95, representing a saving of more than Ł9 on the on-the-gate price. Earlybird tickets are available until the 28th February 2006. Accompanied children aged 15 and under go free.