Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Serco bids a fond farewell to RAF Northolt

Defence

Serco bids a fond farewell to RAF Northolt

After more than 18 years of providing support to 32 (The Royal) Squadron, Serco has said a fond farewell to RAF Northolt as its long-standing Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) contract came to an end.

Image courtesy Serco

The BAe146 aircraft, which Serco has been supporting, have retired from service and the contract to provide maintenance and stores support is therefore also complete. As a sub-contractor to BAE Systems, Serco has provided services including maintenance and aircraft support operations, Aircraft Ground Engineers and Sponsored Reserves to support worldwide operations. Serco also previously supported the Squadron’s HS125 aircraft before their earlier retirement.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Serco teams have also been directly involved in supporting military missions as Sponsored Reserves. Eighty-eight Serco employees were deployed for nearly 40,000 days between 2004-2019, with some people serving for almost 2,000 days. As recognition of their military service as Sponsored Reserves, over 100 campaign medals have been awarded to Serco personnel, including for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and NATO operations in Libya.

Air Commodore David Manning, RAF Air Mobility Force Commander, said: “Serco has given outstanding support to the Air Mobility Force and BAe146 CSAT and formerly HS125 operations over many years – at home and deployed on operations. As the Force Commander, and a previous Station Commander at RAF Northolt, I have witnessed first-hand how well they have operated and how, as both civilians and as Sponsored Reserves, the Serco team has epitomised the Whole Force Approach.”

Paul McCarter, Managing Director of Serco Defence said: “The support that we have provided to the RAF on both the HS125 and BAe146 is a demonstration of the expertise our workforce can bring to bear on technical support programmes.  It also showcases the Whole Force approach we adopt to integrate with our military customer, working as one team to deliver for the MoD and the local community. We are very proud of these achievements, and our offer of service adaptability, which have been made possible by the hard work and determination of our colleagues at Northolt who have made a difference every day by delivering mission critical services.” 

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
NATO and Systematic to advance Land C2 training capabilities

Defence

NATO and Systematic to advance Land C2 training capabilities

30 January 2026

As part of the ongoing DEMETER Project, a new contract has been signed between NATO and Systematic to extend and expand the delivery of both classroom and computer-based learning, ensuringseamless continuation and adaptation of current and future Land C2 training, while also securing the Alliance’s ability to provide learning throughout the ...

Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

Aerospace Defence

Cranfield recognised with Gold Employer Recognition Award

30 January 2026

Cranfield University has successfully revalidated its prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Scheme status, awarded by the Ministry of Defence to organisations that support the Armed Forces community and share the values in the Armed Forces Covenant.

Typhoon reaches one million flying hours

Defence

Typhoon reaches one million flying hours

30 January 2026

The Typhoon combat aircraft programme has reached a historic milestone, passing one million flying hours – a landmark moment that comes at a critical time for national and European security.

Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

29 January 2026

The search for the UK’s next defence unicorn has kicked off with the launch of a bespoke £20 million fund to offer accelerated contracts to small, innovative British startups who have had limited or no business with the Ministry of Defence.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Metis launches Skyperion Lightweight

Aerospace Defence Security

Metis launches Skyperion Lightweight

29 January 2026

Lincoln based specialists in Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection technologies, Metis, have launched their latest detection product, Skyperion Lightweight.

Data Link Solutions awarded US Navy contract to deliver MIDS JTRS

Defence

Data Link Solutions awarded US Navy contract to deliver MIDS JTRS

29 January 2026

The US Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions - a joint venture between BAE Systems and RTX's Collins Aerospace - a $248 million production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals for US forces and allies.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB