23 January 2023
The Blades Aerobatic Display Team has closed after 17 years of flying.
The company behind the team, 2Excel Aviation, cites a worsening economy and fewer air shows, making it harder to show off the team’s sponsors.
“Together, these factors prompted 2Excel’s Board to consider the future of The Blades,” said a statement from the team.
“Regrettably, we concluded it is an unsustainable business model and, in the best interests of all our employee-owners, we needed to take action and redeploy our resources elsewhere within our fast-growing Company. We are seeking to honour all existing bookings.”
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Andy Offer, 2Excel’s co-founder and director, added, ‘The Blades will live on in spirit – our legacy to the air show world – and in the collective memory of our highly valued sponsors, our supporters and the legions of people who’ve both watched the Team from the ground and those who have taken flight on our Unforgettable Experience days to enjoy close formation aerobatics or become part of the Blades Flight Club.
“It’s been our greatest pleasure to entertain everyone and to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“As one of the original Blades’ pilots, I had the privilege to lead the Team for several years. The concept emerged from the many requests I had during my time in the Red Arrows to take members of the public flying. That was impossible due to the restrictions on flying civilians in military jets. But it made us realise there was potential to provide the experience of a lifetime by taking paying passengers aloft for close formation aerobatics.
“During the 17 flying seasons the Blades delivered, millions of people saw the team display and thousands have ridden onboard our aircraft. We owe a great debt of gratitude to every one of them.
“But, most importantly, we must pay tribute to the pilots who have flown with the team and to the ground staff who supported them over the years – especially to those who delivered the final season in 2022 with The Blades’ traditional professionalism and flair. They will be missed.”
