Few sights in aviation evoke the same goosebumps as nine scarlet BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets roaring across the sky in perfect formation, trailing vibrant plumes of red, white, and blue smoke. Since their official formation in 1964, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—the Red Arrows—has served as the international face of the RAF, performing thousands of displays across more than 50 countries.

While every display showcases extreme precision engineering and pilot discipline, a few legendary performances stand out as truly historic milestones. Here are five of the greatest Red Arrows displays and flypasts ever flown.

1. London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

When London welcomed the world for the 2012 Summer Olympics, the Red Arrows were tasked with delivering an opening spectacle that would be broadcast to billions of viewers globally.

Why it's legendary:

• Perfect Timing: At exactly 20:12 BST (8:12 PM), the team streaked over the Olympic Park in East London, trailing their signature red, white, and blue smoke directly over the newly constructed Olympic Stadium.

• National Pride: The flypast served as the official high-speed curtain-raiser for the Games, igniting national celebration across the UK.

• Coordination: Navigating congested London airspace with split-second precision, the display proved why the Red Arrows are considered the world standard for military aerobatics.

2. Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2019: Concorde & Jet Joint Formations

The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford is the world's largest military airshow, and the Red Arrows have delivered many of their finest routine displays here. However, their joint formation flypasts at RIAT remain legendary—most notably when they flew alongside iconic commercial airliners.

Standout highlights:

• Heritage Formations: Over the decades at RIAT, the team has performed joint passes with historic aircraft, including the Vulcan bomber, British Airways Concorde (1985/2003), and a BA Boeing 747 in retro livery for the airline's centenary in 2019.

• Full Aerobatic Routines: Beyond special flypasts, RIAT allows the team to perform their full 25-minute "Flat," "Rolling," or "Full" display options, featuring tight manoeuvres like the Vixen Break and the Heart and Arrow.

3. Sydney Harbour & The Western Frontier Tour (2019)

In 2019, the Red Arrows embarked on their largest-ever tour of North America and later expanded their international footprint across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Their flight over Sydney Harbour during their Asia-Pacific circuit remains one of the most visually stunning aerial photography moments in military history.

What made it special:

• Global Ambassadors: Promoted British aerospace innovation, trade, and defence diplomacy across global landmarks.

• Iconic Backdrop: Sweeping past the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the contrast between the red Hawk jets and the harbour waters created instant aviation history.

• Logistical Triumph: Moving nine Hawk jets, support C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and tens of thousands of replacement parts across continents required world-class RAF logistics.

4. RAF 100th Anniversary Centenary Flypast (2018)

On July 10, 2018, the Royal Air Force celebrated its 100th anniversary with a massive, historic flypast over London. Over 100 aircraft representing a century of RAF flight heritage took to the skies, culminating in a spectacular finale from the Red Arrows.

Key highlights:

• The Grand Finale: As the final element of the massive 100-aircraft procession, the Red Arrows spewed vivid smoke trails down The Mall, passing directly over a packed Buckingham Palace balcony.

• Historic Context: Flew in close succession behind modern RAF fast jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning, connecting RAF history with its future.

• Crowd Spectacle: Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the streets below, creating one of the most watched RAF events in modern memory.

5. D-Day 75th & 80th Anniversary Normandy Flypasts

The Red Arrows have frequently honoured fallen service personnel and veterans during historic commemorations. Their joint flypasts with the French Patrouille de France over Portsmouth and Normandy during major D-Day anniversaries stand among their most emotionally poignant displays.

Why it touched millions:

• International Alliance: Flying side-by-side with France’s national aerobatic team, painting the sky in the shared red, white, and blue of both nations.

• Honouring Veterans: Flew directly over WWII veterans gathered on the beaches of Normandy and warships anchored in the English Channel.

• Precision Symbolism: Provided a powerful tribute to joint Allied service and sacrifice, demonstrating how aviation brings nations together.

From international tours across iconic harbours to national celebrations over London, the Red Arrows continue to embody the very best of British engineering and RAF teamwork.

Gear Up for the Flight Line!

At Air Force Gift Shop, we celebrate the finest of British aviation history. Why not treat yourself or a fellow enthusiast to our wide range?

Share the fun with us!

Which display is your favourite ever? Tag us in your photos from the flight line @airforcegiftshop on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok!