£97m maintenance contract strengthens TriStar fleet

£97m maintenance contract strengthens TriStar fleet

An Equipment and Logistics news article
30 Oct 08

The Ministry of Defence has signed a £97m, seven-year contract with Marshall Aerospace of Cambridge to provide logistic support for the RAF's fleet of TriStar aircraft.

Known as the TRIOS contract (TriStar Integrated Operational Support), it will provide maintenance and engineering and support to the RAF's core passenger fleet until 2015.

The RAF fleet of TriStar aircraft are operated by No 216 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, and carry out the air transport role, notably acting as the airbridge for troops flying from the UK to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies MP, said:

"This is good news for industry and good news for our airbridge support to troops in theatre. The TriStar aircraft play a vital role in air transport, and it is important that we ensure that they are well maintained and serviced, with a good supply of spares. This contract will do just that, and I am delighted that we can support British jobs at the same time."

Group Captain Adam Northcote-Wright from the ARC (Air Refuelling and Communications Fleet) Integrated Project Team in Defence Equipment and Support said:

"The signing of the TRIOS contract marks the successful conclusion of many months' hard work by the team from Defence Equipment and Support, and Marshall of Cambridge. It is an excellent achievement, which has been made possible by the efforts and focus of our team and our industrial partners. They have worked tirelessly towards an innovative and cost effective solution, and I am confident that all parties will benefit from this contract."

The TRIOS contract will improve supply chain and technical support arrangements for the TriStars at RAF Brize Norton, their main operating base. This contract will assure future aircraft availability and is expected to deliver around £10m in savings to the MOD over the life of the contract.

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Contract Win, Royal Air Force (RAF), Contract $150m