To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason RAF Akrotiri refuels BAE Systems’ weekly freighter flight between Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire and Ta’if in Saudi Arabia; whether his Department is aware of the contents of the freight being delivered on those flights; and for what reason those flights have been assessed as essential during the covid-19 lockdown.
Answered on
11 May 2020
These BAE Systems operated flights provide logistics support for UK-supplied aircraft and systems operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force, which play a key role in the defence and security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These flights night-stop at RAF Akrotiri, both inbound and outbound from Saudi Arabia, for the wellbeing of the crew, to refuel and to assure the security of the aircraft and its cargo.
These flights do not carry passengers, nor is cargo loaded or off-loaded at RAF Akrotiri. During the present Covid-19 crisis the crews are provided with dedicated on-base accommodation, which allows them to be isolated fully from RAF Akrotiri personnel.