Why did six Boeing 767-200s United States military aircraft fly over Greater Manchester?

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 01:34 AM•2 min read

Why did six Boeing 767-200s United States military aircraft fly over Greater Manchester?

Six Boeing 767-200s United States military aircraft flew in a six planes in formation over Greater Manchester on Friday, sparking confusion among residents.

Key Points

1Six United States military Boeing 767-200 aircraft flew in a tight formation over Greater Manchester on Friday afternoon.
2The aircraft were tracked by ADS-B Exchange data, passing over Bury, Rochdale, and heading toward the east coast just before 4 PM.
3The 767-200 military variant is typically the KC-46 Pegasus, a large aerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft.
4Formation flights are standard for military transit or training, coordinated under international airspace agreements.

Many residents were left puzzled on Friday afternoon. They looked up at the skies above Greater Manchester. A six planes in formation appeared over the region. This sight sparked widespread public confusion and speculation. Social media quickly filled with questions about the aircraft.

The Mystery Solved

Reports quickly identified the mysterious aircraft formation. The planes were confirmed as Boeing 767-200s. They were operated by the United States military aircraft. Residents had questioned if the planes were RAF or USAF. The large, rumbling sound added to the mystery.

According to ADS-B Exchange data, the aircraft were tracked. The six planes approached Lancashire around 3:50 PM. They passed over Bury and Rochdale just before 4 PM. The formation then continued across Sheffield. Their flight path was directed toward the UK’s east coast.

Military Variant and Role

The Boeing 767-200s United States military aircraft are likely tanker variants. The U.S. Air Force (USAF) uses the KC-46 Pegasus model. This model is an aerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft. Formation flights are a common part of military operations. They are necessary for training, transit, or deployment. Such movements are often coordinated with local air traffic control. The FAA and EASA work together on airspace management.

Military aircraft over UK airspace is a regular occurrence. The UK hosts several key United States military bases. These bases support operations across Europe and the Middle East. Large formation movements are planned to ensure safety. The flight was likely a strategic transit.

This event highlights the public interest in Greater Manchester plane spotting. The visibility of military air traffic often draws attention. For more information on commercial and military air movements, visit our aviation news section. Military flights are governed by specific international agreements. These agreements allow for safe passage through foreign airspace.