RAF King Charles' Birthday Flypast 2025

Twenty-nine aircraft ascended above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, observed by Their Majesties The King and Queen, along with other members of the Royal Family.

The impressive formation was led by four Chinook helicopters from No. 18 and 27 Squadrons of RAF Odiham, following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). The aircraft originated from nine different RAF stations, several of which participated in the VE80 celebrations earlier this year in May.

Air Vice-Marshal Jackson said, “It is an enormous privilege to be part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday celebrations, where the Flypast is an opportunity for the Royal Air Force to honour His Majesty The King, our Commander-in-Chief, on the occasion of his Official Birthday. This year, the flypast will comprise twenty-nine aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, rotary wing assets from the Joint Aviation Command, training aircraft from No.22 Group and front-line aircraft from across No.1 Group representing the Air Mobility, Combat Air and ISTAR Forces; as always the flypast will conclude with the iconic Red Arrows."

The aircraft, whose main purpose is to secure our skies and protect our citizens at home and abroad, have a broad range of uses. These include training, air transport, lift capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, humanitarian missions, and fast jet combat.

It is a great honour to be part of an event that will bolster our national pride, and to be part of something much greater than myself. My role will include coordinating with civil air traffic and assisting in the safe passage of all the aircraft back to their bases." Said Sergeant McGlasson, an Air Traffic Controller from 78 Squadron.

Wing Commander Andrew Watson, a Typhoon pilot and Officer Commanding 12 Squadron, had the task of overseeing the whole flypast. The planning for the whole event has been meticulous over many months. The culmination is the spectacle that was seen by millions of people worldwide.

“It is a huge personal honour being Mission Commander and coordinating such an impressive array of aircraft fit for His Majesty The King’s Birthday. I cannot be more impressed by the focus and professionalism of both air and ground crew in bringing this spectacle to life.” Wing Commander Watson explained.

The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel, known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a premium quality fuel, with a chemical structure almost identical to the regular diesel traditionally used by the aerobatic team for its vapour trails.

In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF's commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.

“It is a privilege to be a member of the Red Arrows. To me, the Red Arrows are an icon of the United Kingdom, so knowing that you had a key role to play in bringing joy and excitement to thousands of people as they fly over the Mall is something I am incredibly proud of. Stated Squadron Leader King Snr. Engineering Officer, RAF Aerobatic Team. “As head of all engineering and logistics on the team, I am even more proud to lead the amazing and diverse team of over one hundred ‘Blues’ that not only make major flypasts happen, but work tirelessly for twelve months a year, every year, to deliver a colourful and dynamic aerobatic show. Working with the smoke generation system is the most unique part of the job. The vibrant vapour that we generate is what sets the team apart and so to be the first team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is exciting.”

The aircraft of the Armed Forces boast a distinguished history of participating in this event, beginning with the inaugural King’s Birthday Flypast in 1913. They were also prominently featured in Their Majesties’ Coronation in 2023 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The flypast has much poignancy for one of the Chinook pilots, Master Aircrew (MACr) Ruffles. The King’s Birthday Flypast was one of MACr Ruffles’ last flights as he leaves the RAF after forty years’ service and nine thousand hours flying with helicopters.

“Being part of the King's Birthday Flypast after forty years of service, especially on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, is an honour I'll carry with me for many years to come. It's been a test of resilience, teamwork and dedication. But through it all, the bond with my fellow crew members, the sense of purpose and the pride in serving at such a high level have made every moment worthwhile.” Proudly stated, Master Aircrew Ruffles, 27 Squadron, Chinooks

The King’s Birthday Flypast concluded Trooping the Colour, which took place on Horse Guards Parade, a ceremony dating back to the reign of King Charles II, becoming an annual event in 1760. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and the Corps of Drums marched and played in unison.