Meet the Red Arrows' new pilots

Flt Lt Thomas, left, and Flt Lt McEwen, right, have officially begun training

The Red Arrows has welcomed two new pilots for the 2025 season.

The RAF said Flt Lt Rob Thomas and Flt Lt Andrew McEwen had many years of experience operating on the frontline, including with the Typhoon and F-35B aircraft.

Training is already underway at the aerial display team’s home base of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

Flt Lt Thomas said he was "still buzzing" after receiving the news, while Flt Lt McEwen said he was first inspired to join the team after seeing the Red Arrows "flying on the wing of a Concorde above my house when I was about five years old".

A sight which inspired Flt Lt McEwen - the Red Arrows with Concorde

Flt Lt Thomas, who is originally from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, will fly in the Red 2 position for 2025.

He said: “I am looking forward to many aspects of my new role in the team.

"The flying element will be challenging but also rewarding and I’m really excited at the prospect of meeting so many people at air shows across the UK."

Flt Lt Thomas previously flew the RAF’s Typhoon aircraft on operations and exercises around the globe, including the Falkland Islands.

Two F-35B aircraft with the Red Arrows' Hawk jets on their way to Iceland this summer

Flt Lt McEwen is the first pilot to join the Red Arrows who has previously flown the F-35B Lightning II – the RAF’s fifth generation multi-role aircraft.

The former 617 Squadron - The Dambusters - pilot will fly as Red 3 in 2025.

Born in Wexham, Berkshire, Flt Lt McEwen said one of the reasons he wanted to join the Red Arrows was "so I could inspire future generations to join the RAF", which he described as "a chance to give back”.

He said it was "the happiest moment in my career when I learned I’d got the job".

Above average pilots

Up to three new pilots join the Red Arrows each year, succeeding those who leave following completion of their tours at the end of a display season.

New team members are selected following interviews, tests and other assessments.

To be eligible to apply, they must have 1,500 fast-jet flying hours, be assessed as above average in their flying roles and have completed at least one frontline tour of duty.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.