uk contract extension

The uk ministry of defence signed a £190m contract extension with airbus to deliver a 30% improvement in the availability of the royal air force's tactical and strategic airlift fleet.

contract duration

The 31-month extension to the medium-term contract will see airbus continue its maintenance, repair and support for the raf's a400m atlas fleet from its uk support centre at raaf brize norton.

operational boost

The contract extension through to april 2029 will increase the number of fully capable aircraft available each day from 10 to 13 by the end of next year.

falklands deployment

One of the aircraft is permanently stationed at mp in the falkland islands as part of no. 1312 flight defence readiness.

minister statement

Defence readiness and industry minister luke pollard called the deal a 'vote of confidence' for the industry and brize norton, saying it strengthens the raf's ability to conduct global operations and deliver on nato commitments.

“by boosting availability, we're strengthening the raf's ability to conduct global operations and deliver on nato commitments when it matters most”

airbus response

Airbus defence and space uk's managing director kata escott said the a400m atlas is the backbone of air mobility, with highly skilled teams focused on enhancing operational readiness and keeping the fleet mission-ready.

“the a400m atlas is the backbone of air mobility. our highly skilled teams work side by side with royal air force personnel and are fully focused on enhancing operational readiness, keeping the fleet mission-ready”