The RAF Red Arrows have arrived at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus before moving onto the United Arab Emirates.
On the route into RAF Akrotiri the Red Arrows conducted a flypast over Episkopi Garrison. The crew then arrived in formation, performing a spaghetti break before landing at RAF Akrotiri.
The Red Arrows Team had recently performed in Malta International Air show before their short stay at RAF Akrotiri to refuel and prepare for the next journey.
The next location is at the UAE where they will celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary representing the UK at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
The Red Arrows are one of the most famous aerobatics display teams in the world known for their dare devil moves, precision flying and leaving a trails of red, white and blue across the sky.
They were formed in the early 1960s to become the public face of the RAF and are known for their combination of close formations and precision flying as well as using vapour trails.
The Red Arrows were given their nickname as the training aircraft they use is predominantly red in colour and the Arrows part was added as a nod to the Black Arrows, a popular squadron aerobatic team from the late 1950s.
The team currently flies the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jet and can fly as low as 100 feet and reach speeds of up to 600 miles per hour.
The Red Arrows pilots are often the most highly qualified and experienced in the RAF and last year flew in 4,800 displays in 57 countries.
The Red Arrows will fly to the United Arab Emirates to represent the UK at Expo 2020 Dubai and celebrate the first week of the event with visitors.
At 1600hrs (4pm) on October 8, the Red Arrows will display at the Expo, to an international audience.
It is part of a wider visit to the UAE – to help celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary and to look forward to the next 50.
This programme will include a display at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche at 1630hrs (4.30pm) on October 5.
In Dubai, the performance will support the UK’s wider role at the Expo and highlight the exciting programme of events and exhibitions taking place at the UK Pavilion throughout the Expo itself.
Photos: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2021
