Red Arrows Announce Two New Pilots for 2025 Season

The Red Arrows have announced the addition of two new pilots, Flt Lt Rob Thomas and Flt Lt Andrew McEwen, to their team for the upcoming 2025 season. The Royal Air Force (RAF) confirmed that both pilots possess extensive frontline operational experience, having flown aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35B. Training for the aerial display team is currently in progress at their primary base, RAF Waddington, located in Lincolnshire. Flt Lt Thomas expressed that he was “still buzzing” upon learning of his selection. Meanwhile, Flt Lt McEwen shared that his initial motivation to join the Red Arrows stemmed from witnessing the team “flying on the wing of a Concorde above my house when I was about five years old.” Flt Lt Thomas, a native of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, is slated to occupy the Red 2 position for the 2025 season. He stated: “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.” Previously, Flt Lt Thomas operated the RAF’s Typhoon aircraft during various operations and exercises worldwide, which included deployments to the Falkland Islands. Flt Lt McEwen holds the distinction of being the first Red Arrows pilot with prior experience flying the F-35B Lightning II, which is the RAF’s fifth-generation multi-role aircraft. This former pilot from 617 Squadron, known as The Dambusters, will serve as Red 3 in 2025. Hailing from Wexham, Berkshire, Flt Lt McEwen indicated that a key motivation for joining the Red Arrows was “so I could inspire future generations to join the RAF,” characterizing this opportunity as “a chance to give back.” He described learning of his selection as “the happiest moment in my career when I learned I’d got the job.” Annually, the Red Arrows typically welcome up to three new pilots, who replace individuals concluding their tours of duty at the close of a display season. The selection process for new team members involves interviews, various tests, and additional assessments. Eligibility requirements for applicants include a minimum of 1,500 fast-jet flying hours, an above-average assessment in their flying performance, and the completion of at least one frontline tour of duty.