The Canadian Maple Hawk tour continues with a stop in London, Ontario
London, ON, September 12, 2024 – The British High Commission, Ottawa and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) – the Red Arrows – carry on Maple Hawk 2024 as they arrive in London, Ontario, marking the fifth destination. Celebrating its 60th Diamond Season, the Red Arrows have been dazzling audiences with their renowned precision flying and aerial acrobatics since landing in Canada earlier this summer.
Invited by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Red Arrows have soared across the nation, underscoring the strong ties between the United Kingdom and Canada. From Friday, September 13 to Sunday, September 15, the jets, pilots and crew will make their way to Airshow London SkyDrive to not only showcase their aerobatic expertise but also engage with the community through a series of impactful events aimed at inspiring future engineers and innovators.
The London leg of the visit will begin with an engagement at Fanshawe College, home of one of Canada’s largest aerospace training institutions. The Red Arrows will meet with students to discuss career opportunities in STEM fields, followed by a special roundtable with Fanshawe faculty to highlight the importance of pursuing careers in aerospace, engineering, and related sciences.
The Red Arrows will also participate in Education Day at Airshow London SkyDrive 2024. This event will feature an exciting opportunity for over 5,000 sixth-grade students from the local school district to interact with the famed air display team.
“The Maple Hawk tour represents more than our strong defence, trade, and business connections with Canada,” says Susannah Goshko CMG, British High Commissioner to Canada. “It highlights our commitment to inspiring the next generation through STEM education and innovation. By engaging with local students and highlighting the importance of teamwork and technological advancement, we not only showcase the Red Arrows’ precision but also support the development of future leaders in technology and aerospace. This tour emphasises our shared dedication to nurturing talent and excellence across borders.”
The Red Arrows will perform throughout all three days of Airshow London SkyDrive 2024 before concluding their tour with stops in Montreal, Québec, and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
About the British High Commission:
The British High Commission in Ottawa is the UK Government’s main diplomatic mission in Canada. Along with Consulates-General in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, we work closely with the Canadian government and partners across the country to develop and maintain a wide range of substantive partnerships of real value to both countries. These partnerships cover business, defence, climate change, science and innovation, education, and culture.
About the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign:
The GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is the UK’s international communications programme. It enhances the UK’s global reputation and drives economic growth by encouraging international audiences to visit, study, trade, invest, live and work in the UK. GREAT is one of the world’s most impactful nation branding and marketing initiatives, providing the UK government’s international network with a high-quality, consistent brand used by 26 government departments and arms-length bodies. It successfully promotes the UK’s strengths in 164 countries.
About the Red Arrows:
Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier. As one of the world’s most celebrated aerobatic teams and recognisable British brands, the Red Arrows have performed some 5,000 displays in 57 countries since 1965 – aiming to entertain, inspire and inform. Flying nine British-built Hawk fast-jets, 2024 is the team’s 60th diamond display season.
