On September 6, 2025, a deal signed during the Ayrshire Festival of Flight sent ripples of excitement through Scotland’s aerospace community and beyond. British aircraft manufacturer Aeralis and Glasgow Prestwick International Airport have formalized a strategic agreement that positions Scotland as a leading contender to build the next generation of planes for the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s world-renowned aerobatics display team.
The Red Arrows, known for their dazzling displays at airshows across the globe, currently fly the iconic Hawk T1 jets. But these aircraft are due to be retired in 2030, and the search for their replacement has been a topic of speculation and anticipation. With this new partnership, Ayrshire could soon become the birthplace of the jets that will carry the Red Arrows’ legacy into the future.
The agreement, signed at the festival’s bustling grounds, brings together Aeralis—reportedly the only UK firm designing and building a manned light jet aircraft suitable to replace the Hawk T1—and Prestwick Airport, which has been under Scottish government ownership since 2013. According to BBC News, the deal will see parts for the new aircraft designed and manufactured at Aeralis’s sites across the UK, before final assembly takes place at Prestwick.
Aeralis’s chief executive, Tristan Crawford, expressed both pride and ambition at the signing. “Today’s agreement means that Scotland is a strong contender to build the next generation of aircraft for the Red Arrows here at Prestwick,” Crawford said. He painted a vivid picture for the crowd, adding, “Imagine the inspiration of aircraft proudly assembled in Ayrshire thrilling crowds at a future International Ayr Show.”
But this isn’t just about spectacle. Crawford also emphasized the deeper roots of the project: “The agreement builds on Prestwick’s strong aviation legacy,” he noted, pointing to the region’s “excellent” local aerospace manufacturing resources. “It provides Aeralis with tremendous operating capability for building, testing and industrialising new aircraft for the UK, Europe and the world.”
As part of the deal, Aeralis and Prestwick Airport will work together to identify and review site facilities, ensuring the infrastructure is up to the task of assembling cutting-edge jets. Both organizations are also committed to collaborating with local aerospace companies and forging training and course design opportunities with Ayrshire College—moves that could have a transformative effect on the region’s workforce and educational landscape.
Prestwick Airport’s chief executive, Ian Forgie, was equally enthusiastic, describing the agreement as “the foundation stone that will return Scotland to its deserved place as a first-tier aviation nation.” He continued, “We remain tremendously excited about the opportunities it brings to generate jobs, apprenticeships, investment and innovation.”
The economic impact could be substantial. Alan Gemmell, MP for Central Ayrshire, was quick to point out the potential benefits for the local community. “This deal could lead to hundreds of well-paying jobs here in Ayrshire—with potential for hundreds more,” he said. Gemmell went further, calling the commitment to Prestwick “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a British-designed, British-built jet to be assembled right here.” He added, “If chosen by the Ministry of Defence, Aeralis’s jet would mean our iconic Red Arrows—a global symbol of all that’s great about our country—would be both British and Scottish.”
The Red Arrows themselves have long been a source of national pride, not only for their breathtaking aerial maneuvers but also for their role as ambassadors for British aviation. Their Hawk T1 jets have been a familiar sight at airshows for decades, but with retirement looming, the need for a successor has become urgent. According to The Standard, Aeralis is currently the only UK company with a manned light jet aircraft in development that could meet the team’s unique requirements.
The implications of the agreement stretch far beyond the airfield. For Prestwick, the project offers a chance to reclaim its status as a powerhouse of aviation. The airport’s acquisition by the Scottish government in 2013 was a bold move that many hoped would spark a renaissance in the region. Now, with a major manufacturing project on the horizon, those hopes seem closer to realization.
There’s also a strong educational component. The collaboration with Ayrshire College aims to develop specialized training programs and courses tailored to the needs of the aerospace sector. This could help ensure that local students and apprentices are well-positioned to take on new roles in aircraft assembly, engineering, and maintenance—fields that are vital to the region’s economic future.
Of course, much still depends on the Ministry of Defence’s final decision regarding the Red Arrows’ replacement aircraft. If Aeralis’s design is chosen, the impact on Ayrshire could be transformative, bringing not just jobs but also long-term investment and innovation. Even if the project doesn’t reach full scale, the groundwork laid by this partnership could attract other aerospace ventures to the region, further bolstering its reputation.
The deal also highlights the broader ambitions of the UK’s aerospace industry. By keeping design, manufacturing, and assembly within the country, the project underscores a commitment to British engineering and technological leadership. It’s a point not lost on local leaders, who see the project as a way to showcase both national and regional strengths on the world stage.
For many in Ayrshire, the prospect of seeing jets assembled locally—and perhaps even piloted by future generations of Scots—has sparked a palpable sense of pride. The Red Arrows have always stood for more than just aviation excellence; they represent teamwork, precision, and the spirit of innovation. Bringing their next-generation aircraft to life in Scotland would be a fitting tribute to that legacy.
As the dust settles from the Ayrshire Festival of Flight, the region finds itself at the center of a story that blends tradition with innovation. The strategic agreement between Aeralis and Prestwick Airport is more than just a business deal; it’s a statement of intent—a promise that Scotland’s skies may soon echo with the roar of jets built by local hands, inspiring crowds and carrying the Red Arrows’ legacy into a new era.
With so much at stake, all eyes will be on Ayrshire as the project moves forward. Whether or not the Red Arrows’ next generation of jets ultimately calls Scotland home, the partnership has already energized a community and rekindled dreams of aviation greatness.
