Red Arrows shortlisted for top award by RAF Benevolent Fund
The Red Arrows have been shortlisted for a top award.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams have been nominated in the Formation or Squadron of the Year category in the RAF Benevolent Fund’s annual awards.
The category recognises an RAF formation, squadron, unit or group which has provided valuable support to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965, flying distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the team is made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience in the RAF.
Based at RAF Waddington, the Red Arrows flew almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries by the beginning of 2024 – the team's 60th season.
Representing the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, the team is the public face of the service.
They assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for the UK and overseas and promote the best of British.
The Red Arrows have been recognised by the fund for their support across events in 2024 including Silverstone, Royal International Air Tattoo, Blackpool Airshow and collaborating on a Red Arrows 60th anniversary coin, raising money for the Fund.
Wing Commander Adam Collins, officer commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Across several years, the Red Arrows and RAF Benevolent Fund have worked incredibly well together.
“Supporting the charity’s fundraising and mission is important to us, as a team, because we know how much the organisation helps us, and our families, whenever we’re in need.
“This is why it was so good to ramp-up support in 2024, which was the Red Arrows’ 60th anniversary season.
“During a high-profile year, we were side-by-side with the fund – sharing pitch space at airshows and events to raise visibility.
“To now be nominated for the RAF Formation or Squadron of the Year Award is extremely humbling. It’s something the Red Arrows are very proud of, especially to be shortlisted alongside other, brilliant Service colleagues and units.
“The nomination recognises that enduring partnership – in fact – friendship we’re proud to share with the Fund.”
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, chief executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “The Red Arrows’ efforts are truly inspirational and embody the spirit of the RAF Formation or Squadron of the Year category.
“The RAF Benevolent Fund relies on dedicated teams like the Red Arrows to support our mission.
“Our awards ceremony celebrates their commitment, energy, and advocacy, which help us support the whole of the RAF Family, whenever they need us.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund Awards is now in its 13th year, celebrating the outstanding contributions of the fundraisers, volunteers and partners who support the charity.
The 2025 awards will take place on Thursday, April 24 at the Sheraton Grand in London.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their partners and dependants.
If you know a member of the RAF Family in need, go to rafbf.org to find out how the fund could help.
