The Blades are a British civilian aerobatic team based at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.They have been described as "the world's only aerobatic airline" and are the only full-time civilian aerobatic team in the United Kingdom.The Blades are a subsidiary of 2Excel Aviation.
The team was founded in 2005 by Andy Offer, a former leader of the Red Arrows, and Chris Norton, a Royal Air Force Wing Commander. There are eight pilots including five full-time display performers. All of the pilots are former members of the Royal Air Force and the aerobatic team all flew with the Red Arrows.
