Wing Commander Jon Bond, one of the most experienced display pilots in the history of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, has completed his final season with the Red Arrows. His departure marks the end of an exceptional chapter in the team’s history, which included its 60th anniversary celebrations, transatlantic tours and numerous appearances at major national and international events. Following the conclusion of the 2026 display season, two other pilots, Squadron Leader Chris McCann and Flight Lieutenant Dustin Wales, are also leaving the team.
Bond officially completed his three-year tenure as Red 1, Team Leader of the Red Arrows, on 16 October 2026. However, his association with the famous aerobatic team stretches back considerably further.
Born in Essex, Bond joined the Royal Air Force in 2006 and went on to serve as a frontline Typhoon pilot. He first joined the Red Arrows in 2018, completing five display seasons in various positions, including leading the Synchro Pair, whose manoeuvres produce the team’s iconic heart-shaped formation.
He returned to the squadron as Team Leader for the 2024 season, overseeing the restoration of the Red Arrows’ nine-aircraft display formation in time for the team’s diamond anniversary celebrations.
Having spent eight seasons flying in the Red Arrows’ display formation, Bond is believed to have set a new record for the number of seasons completed by a pilot in one of the Red 1 to Red 9 positions. Although a small number of other officers have served with the team for comparable periods when flying and supervisory appointments are combined, Bond’s achievement is thought to be unprecedented for a display pilot.
Reflecting on his time with the squadron, Bond described leading the Red Arrows as the greatest honour of his flying career.
“To have been trusted to lead a team with such history and significance has been the greatest honour of my career.” – said Squadron Leader Bond “I’ve been incredibly fortunate. The opportunities that come with being part of the Red Arrows are extraordinary and I’ve been lucky enough to experience some truly unforgettable moments.” – he added.
During his time with the team, Bond completed three transatlantic tours, two visits to the Gulf region and participated in several major national events. These included the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II, the RAF’s centenary celebrations and the Euro 2020 final flypast over Wembley Stadium. As Team Leader, he also led formations commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and conducted flypasts for King Charles III’s birthday, as well as during a visit to New York to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Despite his record-breaking tenure, Bond emphasised that the Red Arrows’ achievements have always depended on the collective efforts of the entire squadron.
“While you may have your own number and position, nobody in the team succeeds alone.” – explained Bond and added – “The Red Arrows are built on teamwork, and I’ve always felt that my role was simply to play my part in a story that’s been going on for more than 60 years as a temporary custodian of the red suit.”
Bond also recognised the efforts of the engineers, support personnel, and specialists responsible for preparing the team for their performances.
“It’s easy to look at a display lasting 22 minutes and see only the finished product but behind every display is a huge team of engineers, support staff and specialists who care deeply about getting the job done well.” – added Squadron Leader Jon Bond.
In the 2026 season, the Red Arrows adapted their display programme to a seven-aircraft formation. Despite having fewer aircraft, the team continued to develop their aerobatic routine, reintroducing manoeuvres that had not been featured in their displays for several years and creating a new finale called Cascade.
Bond considered these developments to be among the most significant achievements of his final season as Team Leader.
“What I’m particularly proud of from the 2026 season is that we didn’t stand still, despite reducing aircraft numbers in the formation to seven jets.” – he said. “We introduced manoeuvres not seen for many years and developed a new finale, Cascade, showing that the team continues to evolve while respecting its traditions and changing resources.” – added Bond.
Before leaving the team, Bond also expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported the Red Arrows during his time with the squadron.
“Thank you for supporting the team, for continuing to believe in what the Red Arrows represent and for letting me be part of something special that means so much, to so many.” – the outgoing Red 1 concluded.
The end of the 2026 season also marks the departure of Squadron Leader Chris McCann and Flight Lieutenant Dustin Wales, who flew as Red 4 and Red 5 respectively. They both completed three seasons with the Red Arrows team and participated in some of its most prominent international appearances.
Bond praised his departing colleagues, describing them as “utter professionals” and acknowledging their contribution to the team’s success.
“They have had three brilliant seasons with the Red Arrows and supported me and others without hesitation – showing a constant strive for excellence in all that they do in-the-air and on-the-ground.” he said and elaborated – “Both Chris and Dusty have epitomised the squadron motto of éclat and will excel in what they go on to do next.”
For Flight Lieutenant Wales, serving with the Red Arrows provided some of the most memorable flying experiences of his career. Among the highlights were transatlantic deployments with stops at remote airfields in Greenland and northern Canada, as well as displays and flypasts over major North American cities.
“Landing in small remote airfields in Greenland and northern Canada as we crossed the Atlantic gave me a chance to see parts of the world I would never likely have seen. To see how untouched some of those places are was a thing of beauty and made me feel very small among a vast landscape of forests, ice fields and lakes.” – recalled Wales.
He also expressed his gratitude to the team’s supporters, describing the opportunity to meet Red Arrows enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and abroad as “a real treat and extremely humbling”.
After completing his three-season stint with the Red Arrows, Wales will return to the RAF’s Typhoon force.
Squadron Leader McCann, who is originally from Lancashire, joined the Red Arrows with considerable experience of flying the BAE Systems Hawk T1. Prior to joining the aerobatic team, he flew the aircraft in an aggressor role with the No. 100 Squadron RAF.
Reflecting on his three seasons with the Red Arrows, McCann emphasised the combination of demanding aerobatic flying, international travel and teamwork.
“I will miss being part of the Red Arrows team – it’s been an incredible part of my career and afforded some of the most memorable moments,” reflected McCann, adding – “The great people, the dynamic flying, the interested places visited and the world-class teamwork all stand out and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to have been a member of this special team.”
During the 2026 season, the Red Arrows performed in nearly 40 aerial displays, concluding with a performance at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford on 3 October.
The departure of three experienced display pilots, including the team’s record-breaking leader, marks a significant personnel change ahead of the next flying season.
Preparations for 2027 have already begun, with the Red Arrows scheduled to begin their full winter training programme in November. This will mark the start of another cycle of intensive preparations for the displays that have earned the Red Arrows their reputation as one of the most recognisable military aerobatic teams in the world.
Cover photo: On Friday 3rd July 2026, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team pilots visited Times Square, New York. Photo: AS1 Lisa Coulston RAF / UK MOD © Crown copyright 2026
All photos and quotations were used under the UK Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright Editorial License
