East Midlands Airport is hosting part of a fleet of RAF aircraft from July until later this year while maintenance work is carried out at their base.
The Ministry of Defence is carrying out essential resurfacing and improvement works on the airfield operating surface at RAF Brize Norton.
The airfield needs to be temporarily closed, and all airfield operations and flights are being relocated to a number of alternative locations around the UK. The A330 Voyager fleet will operate out of East Midlands Airport, as well as Prestwick and Stansted airports.
Once the resurfacing work has been completed at Brize Norton, the aircraft are expected to return in late November.
RAF Brize Norton is the UK’s primary military air mobility hub, supporting the movement of personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies across the globe. The RAF has stated that missions, including global logistics, humanitarian operations and support for allies, will continue without interruption. Locations such as East Midlands Airport are being secured and protected in readiness for the dispersed operation.
The short-term RAF presence at East Midlands Airport is expected to result in only a minimal increase in road or air traffic, with a small number of flights carrying defence personnel and freight between the Falkland Islands, Cyprus and East Midlands each week.
East Midlands Airport’s Operations Director, Lauren Turner, said: “We’re honoured to act as the temporary base for some of the RAF’s A330 Voyagers, which usually operate out of Brize Norton.
“We have developed strong working relationships with the RAF over the years and are pleased to be able to help with the dispersal of its fleet while upgrades take place at its base. We look forward to supporting them, and no doubt the presence of their aircraft in the skies around us will generate some local interest.”
