BLACK mobile logo

united states

'No in-flight entertainment' as Red Arrows set off for US

June 17, 2026

Britain's Red Arrows aerobatic display team has embarked on a three-day journey from their Lincolnshire base to the United States to participate in celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary of independence. The team's 11 vintage aircraft, which lack modern navigation equipment and air-to-air refueling capabilities, must make six refueling stops across the Atlantic, traveling through Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada before reaching Maryland. Three support aircraft are accompanying the Hawks to provide navigation and communication assistance during the transatlantic crossing.

Who is affected

  • The Red Arrows aerobatics team
  • Wing Commander Jon Bond (team leader)
  • Support staff from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire
  • Crews of supporting aircraft (Atlas C.1, P-8A Poseidon, and Envoy IV CC Mk1)
  • International aviation teams participating in the flyover
  • Spectators at the US 250th anniversary celebrations

What action is being taken

  • The Red Arrows team is traveling across the Atlantic via multiple refueling stops in Stornoway (Scotland), Iceland, Greenland, and Canada
  • Three support aircraft are providing navigation and communication assistance during the transit
  • Planning for the Independence Day flyover is being finalized

Why it matters

  • This represents a significant international military aviation collaboration to commemorate a major milestone in American history—250 years since independence. The deployment demonstrates the logistical challenges of operating vintage aircraft internationally and highlights the continued diplomatic relationship between the UK and US, symbolized through military ceremonial cooperation at one of America's most important national celebrations.

What's next

  • The team will complete remaining refueling stops to reach Martin State Airport near Washington DC
  • Final planning for the July 4th flyover will be completed over the next week
  • The Red Arrows will participate in a massive flyover of New York involving 140-150 aircraft from multiple nations on Independence Day

Read full article from source: BBC

'No in-flight entertainment' as Red Arrows set off for US