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Defence

Serco supporting RAF with Surface Finish expertise

Serco has been awarded a contract extension to continue supporting the Royal Air Force (RAF) with its specialist Surface Finish aircraft painting expertise for another two years with the option for an additional year.

Above: Serco’s Surface Finish team based at RAF Marham recently produced and wrapped a special livery for the F16 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s first flight. This aircraft was displayed for the first time at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 heading up the static line-up of F-16s from around the world. The special livery was designed by Andy Donovan of ‘Dynamic Vectors’. The Serco team based at RAF Marham used specialist software & printing equipment to produce the final design, which was then applied to the F16’s fin, tailplanes and fuel tanks with vinyl wrapping.

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The contract started on 1st April 2024 and is valued at £18 million.

Doug Umbers, Managing Director of Serco’s Defence business, said: “We are delighted to be continuing to provide this vital service to the RAF for a further two years. Our Surface Finish teams operate at RAF bases across the UK where they work hard to make a positive impact and provide a superb service to help keep the RAF’s fleet flying.

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“I am particularly proud of the expertise the Surface Finish teams have contributed towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the F16’s first flight at RIAT 2024.”

Serco’s Surface Finish team are experienced aircraft painters and have been providing specialised military aerospace re-finishing for the RAF since 2009. The team has previously supported the RAF with special projects including the DDay 80th anniversary and the RAF 100th anniversary celebrations and for many of the squadron centenaries.

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