Meet the team behind the EJ200 Typhoon engine contract at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, who are navigating a new era after a major contract win.
We spoke with Fletch Fletcher (Operations Manager), Kay Lee (Asset Control Team Lead), John Harper (Technical Manager), and Mick Degg (Technical Manager) about their roles, the impact of the new contract, and how working directly with the customer is changing the game.
A big win and a new way of working
The team is celebrating a significant milestone: securing the contract to support the EJ200 Typhoon engines. As Fletch puts it: “We’ve secured the contract through hard work - now it’s time for our teams to deliver in their signature brilliant way!”
Previously, the team worked through Rolls-Royce, but now they’re collaborating directly with the customer. The direct relationship brings both new opportunities and challenges, as the team adapts to closer communication and more hands-on involvement.
Introducing the team
- Fletch Fletcher, Operations Manager: “I’m responsible for the contract for the EJ200, looking after Coningsby and Lossiemouth today.”
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Kay Lee, Asset Control Team Lead: “I’ve been here 13 years, going from Tornado onto Typhoon. We provide all logistical support to the engine bay and also to the frontline squadrons.”
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John Harper, Pro Tech Lead: “I’ve been 11 years on this job now, previously RAF plus about 15 years contract work working for the RAF as well.”
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Mick Degg, Technical Manager: “We’ve been doing it for six to seven years now and previously we completed five years on the RB199. Basically the same team.”
Day-to-day: direct support and new responsibilities
The team’s daily work is all about supporting the EJ200 Typhoon Aircraft engines, both in the UK and globally. The new contract means they’re more involved than ever. Fletch describes the process:
“Basically, it’s providing a support service to the repair of the engines. Each site receives engines from the aircraft, and Mick and John then have to examine these engines and complete a work scope to find out exactly what’s wrong with them and how they’re going to repair them.”
Mick adds: “We can fix some ourselves, which is nice, and sometimes they’re a bit too in-depth for us and we send them away to industry to be repaired. We work very closely with Defence Equipment and Support.”
The team’s expertise and commitment are more visible than ever, and their work has a direct impact on the customer’s operations.
Teamwork and camaraderie
Despite the geographical distance between Lossiemouth and Coningsby, the team remains close-knit. Fletch says: “This is unique because it’s one contract, but we’ve got a 500-mile gap in between.
"We work hard to ensure we’re aligned. We meet and engage regularly and undertake joint training and agree KPIs."
Looking ahead
With the new contract in place and a direct line to the customer, the Lossiemouth and Coningsby teams are embracing change and delivering essential support for the EJ200 Typhoon engines. Their dedication and adaptability ensure that frontline squadrons have the reliable equipment they need.
The Lossiemouth and Coningsby teams bring a wealth of experience to their roles, with many members having backgrounds in the RAF and years spent working on both Tornado and Typhoon engines. This depth of technical knowledge is rare and highly valued, making recruitment into these roles a real challenge.
The team recognises that finding new talent with the same level of expertise isn’t easy, so they’re looking to invest in training and mentoring, sharing their knowledge with newer recruits and building a pipeline of future experts.
By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, they hope to ensure the continuity and strength of the team for years to come.
Image credit: AS1 Joshua Whiting, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025