Babcock have been awarded a four-year extension to our Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract, continuing delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF). The extension reinforces long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) enabling trainee pilots to access safe, reliable and cost-effective training. Operating seven days a week, the LAFT fleet has flown more than 775,000 hours. It supports the MOD with University Air Squadron flying training, flying experiences for RAF Air Cadets, Army and Royal Navy flying grading, and international defence flying training. The company will continue to provide aircraft, engineering support, asset management, air traffic control, fire and rescue, and flying instruction at multiple locations across the UK.
Group Captain Jake McAllister, Commandant of No. 6 Flying Training School, said: “I am delighted that we have extended the LAFT contract. This four-year LAFT extension underscores a proven RAF–Babcock partnership, combining the assurance of an established contract with the flexibility required to meet changing training needs across the whole force. I look forward to continuing with this strong partnership.”
Tom Morton, Managing Director of UK Aviation business, said: “This contract extension means the MOD will continue to receive a dependable, high quality flying training service that supports those learning to fly. By maintaining strong aircraft availability and consistent instructional standards, we help create a training environment that builds confidence at every stage. Our teams bring deep experience across all aspects of flying training, and that expertise shapes the service we deliver each day. The extension reflects the trust placed in our people and the strength of our relationship with the MOD.”
Babcock International Group plc is a British aerospace, defence and nuclear engineering services company based in London, England. It specialises in managing complex assets and infrastructure. Although the company has civil contracts, its main business is with public bodies, particularly the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence and Network Rail. The company has four operating sectors, with overseas operations based in Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Australasia. Babcock is listed on the London Stock Exchange, and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
