In a landmark display of environmental commitment, the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) renowned aerobatic team, performed a world-first flypast using sustainable fuels for His Majesty The King’s Birthday celebration on June 14, 2025. This pioneering event marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for aviation, demonstrating the RAF’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing innovative technologies.
A Royal Occasion Goes Green
The King’s Birthday Flypast, an annual tradition that showcases the RAF’s capabilities, provided the perfect stage for the Red Arrows to debut their eco-friendly flight. The flypast, a highlight of the Trooping the Colour ceremony, involved a large formation of military aircraft soaring over London, delighting spectators and honoring the Sovereign’s official birthday. This year, the event carried extra significance as the Red Arrows took to the skies powered by a high-ratio blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The decision to incorporate sustainable fuels into the flypast aligns with the King’s long-standing advocacy for greener aviation practices. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson noted that the King, who has been encouraging the use of SAF on royal flights, was “delighted” by the Red Arrows’ initiative, expressing hope that it will inspire wider adoption of sustainable fuels across the aviation sector.
A World First in Sustainable Aerobatics
The Red Arrows’ flypast is believed to be the first time a national aerobatic squadron has simultaneously utilized a SAF blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel, known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), to create its signature vapor trails. This dual approach to sustainable flying underscores the team’s commitment to environmental responsibility in all aspects of their performance.
The team’s Senior Engineering Officer, Squadron Leader Andy King, who spearheaded the fuels project, emphasized the Red Arrows’ long-standing mission to “inspire future generations and represent the best of British.” He added that using this technology exemplifies their “relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The Science Behind the Sustainability
The sustainable fuels employed by the Red Arrows offer significant environmental advantages over traditional fossil fuels.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Typically produced from waste-based, low-carbon feedstocks such as used cooking oil, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The Red Arrows used a 43% blend of SAF mixed with standard jet fuel.
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO): This premium hydrocarbon-based fuel is made from 100% renewable raw materials and possesses a chemical structure nearly identical to that of regular diesel, which the Red Arrows traditionally use for their vapor trails. HVO reduces emissions by up to 90% across its lifespan when compared to standard diesel.
Importantly, both SAF and HVO have been rigorously tested and proven to deliver the same high level of performance as their fossil-based counterparts. No engine modifications or changes to the smoke systems were necessary, demonstrating the seamless integration and scalability of these sustainable alternatives.
A Six-Month Transformation
The transition to sustainable fuels was achieved in less than six months by the RAF’s engineers and technical staff. The team refueled all aircraft at their home base, RAF Waddington, before the London display. Despite the switch to biofuel, the smoke system performed to its usual high standard, ensuring the visual impact and formation safety of the aerobatic display were uncompromised.
Squadron Leader King remarked on the ease of using alternative fuels, stating, “The beauty of these alternative fuels is how easily they can be used and with little additional work.” He added that the team would explore further opportunities to incorporate this innovation at future events.
RAF’s Commitment to a Greener Future
The Red Arrows’ sustainable fuel flypast is part of a broader sustainability strategy within the RAF. The air force is actively working with alternative fuels to power both current and future aircraft, aiming to reduce reliance on global fossil fuel supply chains and enhance energy security.
Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris, the RAF’s Director Support, highlighted the King’s Birthday Flypast as “the perfect event to showcase to the next generation how our adoption of low emission alternatives, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel and biofuel, can decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.” He emphasized that this technology has the potential to increase resilience and protect operational outputs in a volatile world, without sacrificing performance.
The Route of the Flypast
The King’s Birthday Flypast on June 14, 2025, followed a meticulously planned route, captivating audiences across various locations. The Red Arrows’ journey began at RAF Waddington, and they passed over several points before reaching Buckingham Palace at 1:06 PM:
- RAF Waddington (EGXW) – 12:26 PM
- West of Martin – 12:28 PM
- South of Great Hale – 12:29 PM
- Oversea – 12:37 PM
- Oversea – 12:41 PM
- Oversea – 12:44 PM
- Oversea – 12:50 PM
- VCY Woodbridge Airfield – 12:53 PM
- VCY Colchester – 12:57 PM
- VCY Woodford – 1:03 PM
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – 1:04 PM
- Buckingham Palace – 1:06 PM
- VCY Belgravia – 1:07 PM
Public Reaction and Future Prospects
The Red Arrows’ pioneering flight has garnered widespread praise from both the public and industry experts. The successful integration of sustainable fuels into such a high-profile event demonstrates the feasibility and potential of these technologies to transform the aviation sector.
The RAF’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the Red Arrows, with ongoing efforts to incorporate alternative fuels into other aircraft and operations. This proactive approach positions the RAF as a leader in environmentally responsible aviation, paving the way for a greener future for the industry as a whole.
The Red Arrows’ historic flypast serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By embracing new technologies and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the RAF is not only protecting the environment but also ensuring its operational resilience and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
A Lasting Legacy
The Red Arrows’ “green” flypast for the King’s Birthday will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable aviation. It symbolizes a commitment to environmental responsibility, technological innovation, and the pursuit of a cleaner, more secure future for the Royal Air Force and the world.
