Qatari Apache and New Zealand Boeing 757 Shine in This Week’s RIAT25 Update
Aviation fans across the globe have reason to celebrate as the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) rolls out its latest lineup for the 2025 show. Leading the pack in this week’s announcement are the Qatari Apache AH-64E Guardian and the Boeing 757 from New Zealand, both slated to take centre stage at RAF Fairford. These aircraft bring a thrilling mix of international flair and rich history to the event, promising a spectacle that will captivate attendees next July.
From the deserts of Qatar to the distant shores of New Zealand, these machines represent the far-reaching appeal of RIAT25. Their inclusion not only underscores the event’s global draw but also spotlights significant chapters in aviation, from cutting-edge combat helicopters to versatile transport planes nearing the end of their storied careers.
Boeing 757 Royal New Zealand Air Force / Royal International Air Tattoo 2016
The Qatar Emiri Air Force is sending its AH-64E Apache Guardian, a helicopter that joined its ranks relatively recently. Deliveries of these advanced aircraft began in 2019, following a deal finalized years earlier when Qatar secured approval to purchase 24 of them from the United States in 2014. Known for its sophisticated avionics and lethal weaponry, the Apache bolsters Qatar’s defensive capabilities, a testament to the nation’s growing military presence. What sets this particular helicopter apart is its eye-catching desert camouflage, a design tailored to its operational environment. The RIAT team couldn’t hide their enthusiasm, noting, “We’re very pleased to welcome an AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which wears spectacular desert camouflage colour scheme and will likely be the star of our APACHE50 static line-up.” This appearance coincides with a major milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Apache’s first flight back in 1975—making its presence at RIAT25 a fitting tribute to five decades of service worldwide.
Qatar’s contribution doesn’t stop there. The massive C-17A Globemaster III, a heavyweight in strategic airlifting, will join the Apache on the Fairford tarmac. Capable of hauling substantial cargo across vast distances, it’s a key player in the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s logistics operations. Alongside it will be the Hawk, a nimble training jet, and the Typhoon, a cutting-edge fighter that showcases Qatar’s investment in top-tier airpower. Together, these aircraft paint a picture of a modern, versatile force eager to make its mark on the international stage.
Half a world away, the Royal New Zealand Air Force is preparing to bring its Boeing 757 back to RIAT for the first time since 2016. Operated by No. 40 Squadron, this aircraft has been a reliable asset since it entered service in 2003, when New Zealand acquired two of these jets to handle everything from troop transport to VIP flights. Over the years, it’s proven its worth in humanitarian missions across the Pacific, delivering aid to disaster-stricken areas with a rugged adaptability that few can match. In 2007, the RNZAF upgraded its 757s with an upper cargo deck, boosting their capacity to carry up to 11 pallets, and added built-in air stairs for operations at remote airstrips. The RIAT organizers are thrilled about its return, saying, “For the first time since 2016, we’re extremely pleased to welcome an aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force to the show. We’ll be welcoming their Boeing 757 for static display at the show, with the plan for the aircraft to be parked near the centre of the showground and therefore visible on all three days of the show.” Positioned prominently, it’s sure to draw crowds, especially since this could be its swan song—New Zealand has plans to phase out these aging jets in favor of newer models in the near future.
The journey this Boeing 757 will undertake is nothing short of remarkable. From RNZAF Base Auckland to RAF Fairford, it’s a trek of more than 18,000 kilometers—a distance that highlights the lengths participants go to for RIAT. That vast stretch across oceans and continents serves as a vivid reminder of the airshow’s ability to unite aviation communities from every corner of the globe.
Closer to home, the Royal Air Force is adding its own flavor to the mix with a trio of training aircraft: the Hawk T2, Prefect T1, and Tutor T1. These planes are the backbone of RAF pilot training, guiding novices through the basics and preparing them for the complexities of advanced jets. The Hawk T2, in particular, is a familiar sight at airshows, its sleek design a favorite among spectators. With more RAF aircraft announcements on the horizon, the static display is shaping up to offer a broad look at Britain’s aerial training and operational might.
As RIAT25 takes shape, the excitement is palpable. The Qatari Apache, with its desert-hued elegance, and the New Zealand Boeing 757, a veteran making a rare transglobal trip, are just the beginning. Add in the supporting cast from Qatar and the RAF, and this year’s event at RAF Fairford promises to be a standout. For those who’ve attended before and newcomers alike, July 2025 is shaping up to be a celebration of aviation’s past, present, and future—one that’s well worth marking on the calendar.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Royal International Air Tattoo website by clicking here.
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