Serco to provide specialist support services at RAF Brize Norton

Above: RAF Brize Norton,
Courtesy Serco

The contract, which was awarded by the MoD following a competitive process, is valued at c.£40m over the initial three-year period and there are a further two one-year extension options, bringing the total potential value to c.£65m.

The new contract will see Serco introduce new specialist services at RAF Brize Norton, in addition to the existing roles that it has been delivering at the base since 1997. As a result of this expansion, the number of Serco employees at the base will more than double, freeing up RAF personnel, and a recruitment campaign is underway.

Commenting on the contract award, Gp Capt. Emily Flynn OBE ADC, RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, said: ““As the RAF’s largest Main Operating Base and Defence’s Airport of Embarkation, the Station’s operational tempo is high and this contract provides an exciting opportunity to modernise the way we deliver some of our support services. The Serco team has a long association with the Station and I look forwards to working with them to continue to deliver RAF Brize Norton’s output.”

Paul McCarter, Managing Director of Serco’s Defence business, said: “Serco is delighted to have been awarded the RAF Brize Norton Support Contract. As the UK’s largest military airbase and single airport of embarkation for the UK Armed Forces, Brize has a critical role for the UK and we take great pride in the part our team plays as part of RAF Brize Norton Whole Force particularly during times of high operational tempo. We are excited about the prospect of expanding the services we provide and being able to continue our partnership in the coming years.”

'Brize' is the Main Operating Base for the RAF's entire air transport and air-to-air refuelling fleets and is the largest station in the Royal Air Force.

During Covid, the delivery of the Station’s services required significant levels of operational flexibility, agility and innovation to maintain the required levels of service while following Government guidelines and keeping people safe.  Serco’s practices, experience and full integration into the Station’s tasking, outputs and contingency planning have ensured success  throughout this time.

The new contract will see Serco introduce new specialist services at RAF Brize Norton Brize, including airfield services, additional engineering, transport, fuels, logistics, cargo/freight movements, fitness instructors and administration. These are added to the existing roles of RAMP services, engineering, security, IT support services, photography and transport services that Serco has been delivering at the base since 1997.