The AirTanker programme has accomplished its 10,000th flight since the first Voyager took to the skies in April 2012 operating for the Royal Air Force.
The AirTanker programme has accomplished its 10,000th flight since the first Voyager took to the skies in April 2012 operating for the Royal Air Force. Following the arrival of the final aircraft earlier this month, the combined operations of both the military and civilian fleet have contributed to this achievement and continues to demonstrate their capabilities in all their roles.
Director of Flight Operations, Iain Cullen, said:
“In just four years, the high number of flights completed displays not only the level of requirement from the RAF for Voyager, but its adaptable use to suit many roles along with its reliability and efficiency. It’s a great achievement and is proof of the dedication and hard work of all involved who continue to provide this fantastic capability.”
Known as the Voyager, the first aircraft in the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme was delivered to RAF Brize Norton in 2011 and took to the skies for its first flight on 8th April 2012. Since then all 14 aircraft have been delivered and throughout the Voyager Force and our leasing community, a staggering 10,000 flights have been completed.
The FSTA contract was awarded to AirTanker in 2008 by the Ministry of Defence, for the supply of an air-to-air refuelling, air transport and aeromedical evacuation capability. The programme provides 14 aircraft in total; a core fleet of nine Voyager A330 aircraft with optional surge capability rights on a further five.
The programme remains on track to achieve full service delivery in autumn of this year and the programme continues to provide support to both the RAF and civilian operations.