The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford is bucking the trend in today’s gloomy economic climate with ticket sales for corporate hospitality remaining high.
This year’s event, from July 17 to 19, is expected to draw thousands of visitors from all over the world to share its unique brand of high-octane entertainment, and corporate clients can look forward to an unforgettable taste of the experience at one of the Air Tattoo’s best-kept secrets, the Trenchard Chalet.
Situated right beside the runway at RAF Fairford, the Trenchard Chalet offers corporate hospitality at the heart of the action, featuring a private garden with seating and an unrivalled view of the aerial entertainment.
Caroline Rogers, Commercial Director of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, which organises the Air Tattoo, says: “As a company we know how important it is to deliver value for money. And the exceptional standards of hospitality on offer in Trenchard, along with a seven-and-a-half hour flying display and two miles of showground attractions, combine to represent outstanding value when compared to other sporting and social events.
“A table in Trenchard provides companies with a full day’s hospitality for their guests, rather than the limited hours provided by a top football or rugby match,” she adds. “And to ensure that this is a personal experience, we guarantee each party an exclusive table, so hosts can devote their attention to their own clients.”
The value of the experience is borne out by clients such as Denis Chick, Director of Communications for GMUK and Ireland, who’s been bringing guests to the Air Tattoo since the early 1990s.
Denis says: “RIAT’s corporate hospitality enables an experience that is unique and exclusive, viewing an air display from the side of the runway. That, plus the level of involvement and care from the staff, offers a memorable day, and the traffic management is second to none.
“Top-notch flying appeals to both sexes, and a wide range of both age and business status,” he continues. “This kind of opportunity is as A-grade and unique as Formula One but at a fraction of Formula One prices: it definitely represents value for money in the current economic climate.”
Lawrence Cohen of The Cobles Company agrees. He says: “I see the Trenchard Chalet as an opening for any company which wants to treat its clients to a whole day to relax and be with friends, knowing that the food and all in the Chalet will be superb. With so much going on – the magnificence of so much international beauty and unbelievable displays by machine and men takes over – guests can relax, intermingle and roam as well as enjoy the hospitality given with a great deal of professionalism.
“At the Air Tattoo, there’s no need for me, as host, to feel obliged to do anything other than relax with my guests and enjoy the day, unlike when we host at sports events where the time is short and one is sometimes on edge if, say, a guest is a supporter in the wrong section of the stadium.”
He concludes: “I cannot express enough the value of the day: I often have clients and associates who ask, during the day, if they can be included next year.”
In charge of the Trenchard Chalet are the hosts Air Commodore (Ret) Paul and Patricia Hedges who draw on 20 years’ experience at the Air Tattoo to ensure the quality of the hospitality. Personal service is part of the deal, with all the bookings being handled on an individual basis so that staff already know guests when they arrive.
Sandra Keen, Trenchard Sales Executive, explains: “We believe that the Trenchard experience begins from the moment a reservation is made. I handle all bookings personally, and the incidental information I gather during the process means that I really can make sure the day runs smoothly for each group or individual.”
Guests’ arrival at the Royal International Air Tattoo is facilitated by the use of a VIP traffic route and car park, plus a shuttle bus service to and from the Trenchard, and they can, of course, venture out to enjoy all the other elements of the Air Tattoo which include static aircraft, military displays and concerts.
For further details please call Sandra Keen on 01285 713300 ext. 5339, or visit www.airtattoo.com
