This UK Ministry of Defence (“MoD”) contract is valued at approximately £60 million over five years, with options for three one year contract extensions.

This innovative contract by Serco will provide a range of flight training and support services to RAF Cranwell. The flight training aspects include some 5,500 flying hours per year on the King Air B200 aircraft and 3,000 simulator hours per year. The MAC services include Management and Administration, Aircraft Maintenance and Mechanical Support Facilities, A/C Avionic and Electrical Support Facilities, Media Services, Communications Information Systems, MT Operations and Maintenance, Supply Support, Fire and Crash Rescue Services, Aptitude Testing Team and Aircraft Leasing. The King Air B200 will be leased by Serco from Raytheon Aircraft Company.

The contract comes into full effect on 1 April 2004, when some 350 staff will transfer from the incumbent contractor to Serco.

Commenting on the award, Christopher Hyman, Serco Group Chief Executive said:

“This is a significant contract award for Serco. We have a strong track record of successful service provision to the RAF and are delighted that the acceptance of our innovative aircraft leasing solution will introduce the King Air B200 to RAF service. This aircraft is the ideal platform solution to meet the RAF's training requirements for pilot training. Aircraft procurement skills, combined with value for money through life support solutions, will be key skills for the future Military Flying Training System (MFTS) project service".

Nigel J Eadon-Clarke, Commercial Manager for Training Group Defence Agency commented:

“This is the most important contract award that the RAF Personnel and Training Command has made in some years. We look forward to placing the contract ‘in the drawer’ and leaving Serco and RAF Cranwell to work together to produce an outstanding success that can be a model for future MOD contracting. “