Two Red Arrows pilots fly final sorties with UK display team

Two Red Arrows pilots have flown their final sorties with the team – including one who is among the most experienced in its history.

Squadron Leader Steve Morris has completed seven seasons as a display pilot, across two separate tours, whilst Squadron Leader Jon Bond, who has notched up four straight years as a team pilot, is also leaving.

The last public display for Reds 6 and 9 was above the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in Portsmouth.

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Sqn Ldr Morris, whose first season was in 2013, said: "My seven years with the Red Arrows have been the most enjoyable years of my life.

"It's been a busy, intense job but incredible to represent the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom."

Watch: Red Arrows' captivating display in Abu Dhabi skies.

Red Arrows pilots normally serve a three-year tour with team but, occasionally, operational reasons or other circumstances see a longer posting.

Many airshows and events were cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic so the pilots' positions were frozen for a further season to ensure a level of continuity and experience.

Sqn Ldr Bond, whose first season was flying as Red 2 in 2018, said there were many highlights of his time with the team.

"Being part of a huge, historic flypast over London, comprising more than 100 other aircraft, to mark the RAF's centenary was a spectacular and memorable moment from my initial year," he said.

New pilots for the 2022 campaign have been selected and the team line-up for the next year will be announced when training gets underway following a post-season break in November.