The RAFCT wholly owns The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (Registration No. 2190393 and formerly known as The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises). The Company (RAFCTE) is the trading arm of the Trust, limited by guarantee and annually gifts profits to the RAFCT.
RAFCTE’s Mission Statement is as follows:-
- To promote and increase public awareness of the Royal Air Force, its extended ‘family’, and related organisations.
- To help stimulate recruitment to the Royal Air Force through the staging of The Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Band Concert Tours, other prestigious and professional events and through the provision of specialised and related services.
- To assist in the process of bringing ‘Defence to the Nation’ and to support and assist, wherever possible, in the aims of the RAF’s Corporate Communications Strategy.
- To preserve and promote Defence Diplomacy, and in particular the international reputation of the Royal Air Force.
- To maintain the highest levels of quality and client service at all times.
- To compete in the relevant market places whilst at the same time striving to promote the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and to generate profits in order to assist the Trust fulfil its charitable objectives in support of RAF charities
RAFCTE is best known for staging the world’s largest military airshow – The Royal International Air Tattoo – each year at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The origins of the Royal International Air Tattoo stretch back to an airshow first held at North Weald Airfield in 1971. Inspired by two air traffic controllers, Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, this modest event, organised wholly by volunteers, was originally held in support of the Royal Air Forces Association. Over the years this volunteer force has grown into an army, more than 3,500-strong, who bring with them a wealth of aviation and event-management experience that has helped the Air Tattoo grow into the enormous event it is today.
In addition to organising the Royal International Air Tattoo, the company:-
- Organises the annual Royal Air Force Band Concert Tours to venues throughout the UK.
- Sells related Gifts and Souvenirs under the banner 'AIR TATTOO TRADING'
- Publishes the RAF Year Book and other publications including Souvenir Programmes for its events
- Operates an MBNA affinity credit card scheme
- Provides logo licensing services to various market sectors
- Provides ticketing, donation handling, mailing and fulfillment services for external events, charities and other organisations
- Provides aviation consultancy and management services for other airshows, both in the UK and overseas
- Operates a catering division primarily in support of The Royal International Air Tattoo in the name of Hospitality International
Throughout its time, RAFCTE has not only made a great deal of money for charity, but it has helped demonstrate the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force and generate, through its commitment to excellence, an increased appreciation of aviation in general.
Registered Office
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises
Douglas Bader House
Horcott Hill
Fairford
Gloucestershire
GL7 4RB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1285 713300 ext. 5000
Fax: (0)1285 713268
E-Mail: postmaster@rafcte.com
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises is a Company registered in England and Wales with Company No 2190393