RAF ‘too busy’ for airshow
The Duke of Edinburgh joined visitors at the 2003 show
Part of this year’s Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been scrapped.
The July show’s Defence 2004 exhibition, including air displays by the RAF, has been cancelled.
The Air Force says it is too busy with operational duties, including the ongoing situation in Iraq.
Organisers, who say it is regrettable but not entirely unexpected, are stressing there will still be plenty to see at the show, thanks to extra input from the armed forces.
Defence Minister Ivor Caplin said: “I understand the disappointment many people will feel that Defence 2004 cannot go ahead as planned.
“But the heavy operational commitments our armed forces are facing must clearly take precedence.
“However, we can all still look forward to a varied and exciting range of events at Fairford which will show visitors the Armed Forces at their best.”
Last year’s show was hailed a huge success with more than 500 aircraft on display.
VIP guests included the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Feisal of Jordan.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/3450637.stm
By: LN Strike Eagle - 2nd February 2004 at 14:40
They’re not boycotting the Airshow. This annoucement is regarding a single element of this years planned show, called Defence 2004; an exhibition of all of our armed forces, not just the RAF. It was also cancelled last year for the same reasons.
The Hawk Anniversary, Red Arrows Anniversary, Hercules Anniversary and Fighter Meet 04 will all still be going ahead at the show, and the RAF will be present to support RIAT just as they would any other airshow on the calendar.
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February 2, 2004 at 2:17 pm