Following months of training, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has been given the go-ahead to begin one of its busiest ever seasons.

The Red Arrows’ 2019 campaign will culminate in a major tour of North America and displays and flypasts across the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.

Formal approval to perform for audiences, known as Public Display Authority (PDA), was granted to the team today (Wednesday).

It marks the official start of the Red Arrows’ 55th display season.

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The 2019 season is set to be a very busy period, both at home and overseas.

“It is a privilege to be the public face of the RAF and to symbolise the dedication, teamwork, attention-to-detail and drive to excel that underpins the ethos of our Service.

“Getting to the point where we are ready to display in front of millions of people takes a huge amount of effort, over a sustained period, by every member of the Red Arrows.

“It is an honour to command this dedicated group of men and women, that not only showcase the RAF exceptionally well but are also proud ambassadors for a Global Britain.

“The Red Arrows embody the founding principles of the RAF – an organisation which is fully inclusive, with opportunities for all based on merit alone, regardless of background.”

Training for the new season began in October last year, at the Red Arrows’ home base of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Finishing touches then took place over the last four weeks at the Hellenic Air Force base of Tanagra, Greece, during a deployment known as Exercise Springhawk.

The overseas element allows the Red Arrows to take advantage of more settled weather and to fly up to 15 displays a week, to perfect and polish the show.

SOURCE UK MoD, Read more..