Red Arrows reflect on 'fantastic' Canada tour

The Red Arrows have returned from a five-week tour of Canada

The Red Arrows have reflected on their five-week tour of Canada after returning home.

The team, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, took part in a series of air shows to mark the Royal Canadian Air Force’s centennial.

Team leader Sqn Ldr Jon Bond said the "incredible" flypast of Niagara Falls was a particular highlight.

He added the team received a "warm welcome" after touching down at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire on 24 September.

Team leader Sqn Ldr Jon Bond says the tour was full of highlights

Sqn Ldr Bond said: "It was a really fantastic tour. So many highlights. Many people have seen the videos out there on social media of the flypast of Niagara Falls. It was absolutely incredible."

Reliving the dramatic Niagara Falls flypast, Sqn Ldr Bond said: "For me, it's incredible to fly over such an iconic landmark. Unfortunately, I'm concentrating quite like a lot at the front, so I don't get to soak up the view that much.

"The guys on my wing are also concentrating on me to make sure we've got the formation perfect.

"It's only really when we land, look back at the photos and videos that we can really soak it in."

Despite having to focus on the formation, Sqn Ldr Bond said he marvelled at "the spray off the falls".

The Red Arrows team has performed thousands of displays in 57 countries

After weeks away from their family and friends, he added it was "always nice coming back to the home county".

The visit to Canada, was the first since 2019, and followed an invitation made by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

On the tour, the Red Arrows flew over Toronto and Ottawa with the Canadian air force's Snowbirds display team.

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