Airbridge praised by Armed Forces Minister
24 Aug 07
Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth visited RAF Brize Norton this week to learn how the airbridge, which connects the UK Armed Forces with overseas operations, works.
Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth on the flight deck of a C17
[Picture: RAF]
RAF Brize Norton, located in Oxfordshire, is the RAF's largest base and the main focus for the UK's airbridge. It is home to the RAF's strategic Air Transport Fleet and handles flights transporting personnel and equipment to operations daily.
Visiting the station's terminal building, Mr Ainsworth met personnel departing for Afghanistan, while family and friends of troops due to return home from Iraq filled the waiting rooms.
The Strategic Air Transport Fleet uses VC10s, TriStars and C-17 aircraft for transporting troops and cargo. Mr Ainsworth went on board a TriStar that was waiting to take troops to Afghanistan. He observed the cutting-edge equipment on board, such as defensive aids and the AeroMed and critical care capabilities that are now permanently fitted into the aircraft. He also discussed the vital role that the pilots, crew and the aircraft play in sustaining UK operations.
Mr Ainsworth also met a number of personnel in the back of a C-17 as well as an AeroMed team who described the challenges of servicing equipment and maintaining high readiness states to deploy on these very reliable and quick aircraft.
Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth sees a Tristar ready to evacuate a casualty
[Picture: RAF]
After spending some time at Air Cargo to look at freight packaging and movements, the Minister then viewed the Station's accommodation sites for families and single personnel.
Despite recent criticisms of the airbridge service, notably for departure delays, Mr Ainsworth said he was "enormously impressed" with the improvements that have take place at RAF Brize Norton over the last 12 months. The Station is now processing 20 per cent more passengers and 70 per cent more cargo than it was two years ago, departure delays have been reduced and considerable emphasis has been put on providing a better service to passengers. Mr Ainsworth told staff at the station:
"People are all too quick to criticise. This facility is vital to the front line. You have to get people and equipment to some of the most difficult places on earth and you should be very proud of what you do and how well you do it."