Following the successful Middle East tour at the end of 2013, the UK’s Red Arrows celebrate this year 50 flying seasons.  To commemorate this historic event, commuters at Victoria Station in London, UK were this week given the chance to meet pilots from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

The event was held to launch a nostalgic film that celebrates 50 flying seasons of the Red Arrows. The film was put together by BAE Systems as a tribute to all the Teams past and present. To watch it see here: http://youtu.be/zY_pb_r94fM.

BAE Systems built the Hawk T1 aircraft currently used by the Red Arrows and its successor - the Hawk T2 – the world’s most successful and proven Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft which combines real flying with cutting-edge simulation technology.

Hawk is currently in service with 18 air forces across the world where it has been used to train more than 20,000 pilots and is the future lead-in F35 trainer for the RAF and the Royal Australian Air Force. It features the very latest in advanced simulation for radar, weapons and defensive aids training.  In-flight simulation of sensors, state-of-the-art pilot-vehicle interface, and the ability to use simulated weapons provides trainee pilots with a realistic environment before they graduate to flying aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon and F35 Lightning II.

Squadron Leader Jim Turner, Team Leader of the Red Arrows and Red 1, said: “As the new film perfectly captures, the Red Arrows have enjoyed a long, and highly-successful, partnership with BAE Systems by flying the Hawk aircraft. The jet is a testimony to British engineering and excellence – hallmarks of both the Royal Air Force and BAE Systems. The Red Arrows have inspired and entertained millions of people since 1965 and, in our 50th season, continue to represent the RAF, the United Kingdom and our nation’s industry at home and overseas. With the support of the latest technology and engineering, I hope the Red Arrows can go on and carry out this important role for many years to come – celebrating and showing the very best of British.”

Chris Boardman, Managing Director of BAE Systems MAI business, said: "We’re incredibly proud of our long association with the RAF Red Arrows who inspire audiences across the globe with their incredible flying displays. With that in mind we wanted to celebrate their 50th season and publicly thank them for their work.”