SEPTEMBER 11 has cut the number of aircraft at this weekend's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford by almost a quarter.
Organisers had expected there to be about 450 aircraft, but they have so far only managed to attract around 350.
The September 11 terrorist outrages and subsequent war in Afghanistan have made many governments loath to send expensive military equipment overseas for display.
In spite of this, tattoo-goers are still being promised a show to remember, with rare aircraft from throughout the world available for inspection at the base in what is the world's largest show of its kind.
Tattoo spokeswoman Patti Heady said: "We are delighted to have well over 350 of the world's aircraft flying into the Royal International Air Tattoo no other European airshow attracts anywhere near this number.
"This is especially true at a time when world events have greatly increased military operational commitments, in particular those of the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force."
Despite the loss of several planned highlights, including an appearance by the legendary U2 spy plane and the Tu-22 Backfire bomber from Ukraine, other spectacular aircraft are lined up to cushion the blow for aviation fans.
Among them is a B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber of the US Air Force, which is to head the line-up of bomber aircraft from around the world. And organisers are continuing to receive confirmation of participation by other air forces.
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