How to pay for the Reds
I do not claim this as an original idea, it must have been suggested any times.
Financing the Red Arrows would be a small (probably tax deductable) amount for BAe (possibly the biggest beneficiary from the team, now), to pay for the return in advertising. Other companies e.g. oil, component manufacturers or anyone wanting a very prominent advertising platform could partake. How much do companies throw into Formula 1 racing? I remember reading it was in the six figures some years ago for just the side panels on a car.
Don't say the R. A. F. cannot accept money from outside sources, even in my day sponsorship was accepted from commercial outfits for sports teams. So why not now.
I know many people in mainland Europe like to watch them, it is not just a spectacle for the Brits. Keep them going.