Red Arrows leader from Essex steps down after record run

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 11:58 · Archive

Wing Commander Jon Bond, the lead pilot of the RAF Red Arrows, has stepped down after a record eight seasons.

Wing Commander Jon Bond from Essex, who held the Red 1 position as lead pilot of the RAF Red Arrows, has officially stepped down from his three-year tour on Friday 16 October. His eight seasons with the team are thought to be a record for a pilot in one of the display positions in the Red Arrows' formation, though other officers have served a similar length of time in combined flying and supervisory roles.

Bond joined the RAF in 2006 as a frontline Typhoon pilot. He first flew with the Red Arrows in 2018, completing five seasons in various positions before returning as Team Leader for the 2024 season. One of his notable achievements was leading the Synchro Pair, the pilots responsible for creating the famous Heart shape performed in displays.

During his tenure, Bond performed for millions of people across the United Kingdom. He led successful tours to the United States and Canada, and oversaw the team during the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team's 60th anniversary season. In the 2024 season, he rebuilt a nine-aircraft formation for the team's diamond anniversary year.

The team continues to conduct displays and international appearances, with scheduled tours to the US and Canada planned for 2026.

Red Arrows leader from Essex steps down after record run — Image: Colchester Gazette

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

Red Arrows leader from Essex steps down after making historyRAF Red Arrows lead pilot Wing Commander Jon Bond steps down after a record eight seasons, following UK air displays and tours of the US and Canada in 2026.Colchester Gazette · 20 Oct, 11:30
Red Arrows leader from Essex steps down after making historyRAF Red Arrows lead pilot Wing Commander Jon Bond steps down after a record eight seasons, following UK air displays and tours of the US and Canada in 2026.Echo (Basildon) · 20 Oct, 11:30
Red Arrows leader from Essex steps down after making historyRAF Red Arrows lead pilot Wing Commander Jon Bond steps down after a record eight seasons, following UK air displays and tours of the US and Canada in 2026.Brentwood Guardian · 20 Oct, 11:30

In this story: Wing Commander Jon Bond · RAF Red Arrows · Essex · United Kingdom · United States · Canada

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem