THE Red Arrows have announced when they will be appearing at the 2018 Bournemouth Air Festival.

The world famous aerobatic display team will be taking to the skies on three out of the four days at this year’s event.

Fans will be able to see the Red Arrows on August 30 and 31 and September 1.

This year is the Red Arrows display team's 54th season.

The team is planning to display with its trademark nine aircraft formation for the RAF100 year.

Squadron Leader Mike Ling is re-joining the Squadron to fly in the Red 3 position for the season.

Posting on their website today, the Red Arrows said: "Sqn Ldr Ling will cover for Flight Lieutenant David Stark, while he recuperates from injuries sustained in an incident at RAF Valley in March, which also led to the death of engineer Corporal Jonathan Bayliss."

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Preparations continue for the Red Arrows’ 2018 season, when the team will play its part in marking the Royal Air Force’s centenary year and aims to inspire all those who see our displays.

“Careful consideration was given in making the decision to bring in a pilot to the Red 3 position.

“As the Squadron recovers from the tragic loss of a colleague, the on-going convalescence of Flt Lt Stark and the safe operation of the Red Arrows is paramount for us.

“The decision will also allow the most visually-appealing solution for the 2018 season and maintain the Red Arrows’ famous Diamond Nine shape.”

Sqn Ldr Ling is a qualified Hawk T1 pilot and previously completed nine seasons with the team – including flying as Red 3 in his first year with the Squadron in 2008.

He left the team at the end of last year, having been Red 10 for six seasons.

Later this month, the Red Arrows will carry out a planned, annual exercise overseas, where the team, including pilots and support staff, will complete a five-week pre-season training programme.

The 11th annual Bournemouth Air Festival takes place between Thursday, August 30 and Sunday, September 2.

The rest of this year’s line-up is still yet to be revealed.

However, it is known that the Typhoon will not be appearing after its 2018 schedule was announced last week.