Local Photographer’s Dream Takes Flight with the Red Arrows

[tta_listen_btn] A young man from Llanelli has fulfilled a lifelong dream by soaring through the skies with the Red Arrows, the renowned Royal Air Force aerobatic team.

On Thursday June 5th, Iwan did what most of us can only dream of. He flew with the Red Arrows straight over his parent’s home near Llannerch in Llanelli with the jets releasing smoke as a tribute to Iwan’s parents.

Red Arrows flying over Llanelli (courtesy of Iwan Lewis)

Iwan, originally from Llanelli, has maintained strong ties with his roots, regularly sharing photos and videos from his travels with Llanelli Online. Just last week, he informed the community that the Red Arrows would be flying over Llanelli and Carmarthenshire on their way to RAF Valley.

Little did we know, that the iconic jets would also fly past our offices, a delightful surprise for everyone. Whether it was Iwan’s influence or just a happy coincidence is uncertain, nonetheless, the moment was unforgettable.

Iwan Lewis, who once worked as a reporter and photographer for Llanelli Online, covered numerous major news stories. His keen eye for capturing moments led him to a pivotal encounter at the Royal Welsh in Builth Wells, where he met the RAF photography team.

Shortly after, Iwan faced a life-changing decision: join one of Wales’ major newspapers, Wales Online, or the RAF. He chose the latter, embarking on an extraordinary journey across the globe as the official photographer for the Red Arrows. He trained at RAF Coningsby where he became part of one of the world’s most renowned Air Forces.

Iwan’s work has showcased stunning imagery of the aerobatic team. His photograph of a Eurofighter Typhoon jet flying over the White Cliffs of Dover was even named the RAF People’s Choice Photograph of the Year. On achieving this, Lewis said:

“Having such a unique vantage point looking down as the Typhoon flew the Union Flag colours over one of the country’s most iconic locations was a photographer’s dream.”

Iwan Lewis, flying over his home town Llanelli

WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 highly-trained support personnel. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier, enabling the RAF to secure the skies and protect the nation and its interests, 365-days a year. The team is based at RAF Waddin

AS1 Dafydd Iwan Lewis has his first experience in a Hawk T1a aircraft with Ex Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt David Simmonds. The practise flight is part of Iwan’s training as part of the squadron’s Circus Team. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of 11 pilots, nine of whom fly in the display, and more than 100 support personnel and technicians. Each of the pilots

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows perform at the 2023 Blackpool Air Show, imagery taken from the top of Blackpool Tower. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 highly-trained support personnel. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier, enabling the RAF t

The RAF Typhoon Display Team aircraft, BLACKJACK, piloted by Flt Lt Sainty flying over the iconic White Cliffs of southern British coastline ahead of the anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Sainty performed the sortie for Air to Air (A2A) photography passing along the landmark as part of their return flight from the south Coast after a successful four days of displays at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

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Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows performing a practice display over London International Airport in Ontario, Canada as part of Exercise Maple Hawk. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 highly-trained support personnel. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Har

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Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, performed a flypast above London and over Buckingham Palace to celebrate His Majesty The King’s Official Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). The Red Arrows – celebrating their own 60th anniversary display season in 2024- flew from the team’s base of RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. Over 30 aircraft took to the skies above the crowds on Saturday 15 June 2024. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the

RAFAT Red Arrows transit from RAF Waddington to RAF Brize Norton for first UK public Airshow of 2024. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom both at home and overseas. The team consists of pilots and more than 100 highly-trained support personnel. Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet, operational experience flying the Tornado, Typhoon or Harrier, enabling the RAF to secure the skies and protect the n

Iwan Lewis Collection: Facebook

Iwan has covered national events such as the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II, aerial tributes to Captain Tom and incredible displays by the Red Arrows like the ones featured in our gallery, flying over the Niagara Falls in Canada.

All at Llanelli Online and Carmarthenshire News Online wish Iwan continued success in his role as the official photographer for the RAF Red Arrows Display Team.

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