In 2009, the Royal International Air Tattoo returned after the dissappointing cancellation of 2008. In total, 269 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo, from 33 air arms representing 22 nations.

In 2009, the tattoo celebrated the 60th Anniversary of NATO and the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation. The operational theme for 2009 was SeaSearch '09. The full review can be found on the left as well as a gallery of static and support aircraft that graced RAF Fairford this year.