Thales sponsors forces passenger information system
Twelve new 42” and 47” screens have been installed in various locations across the base to provide service personnel departing from RAF Brize Norton with important and timely information as they prepare to board flights out to operations.
Air Marshal Sir Robert Wright (RAFBF), Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter (ABF) and Robert Robson (RN&RM) attended the ceremony on behalf of the respective service charities, along with RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, Group Captain Dom Stamp.
Group Captain Stamp, said: “There have been many changes to the passenger terminal in recent years, but the provision of the new information system really does bring us right up to date in terms of technology and will enhance the communication between the key areas for passenger movement within the station. We are extremely grateful to Thales UK, whose very generous donation made this possible."
Air Marshal Sir Robert Wright said: “On behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund, ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity I would like to thank Thales UK for this generous donation, which represents a leap forward in the information facilities available to the many serving personnel who through RAF Brize Norton’s terminal every year – over 190,000 passed through the terminal last year alone.
“This information system will make a real difference to Armed Forces’ families at what is often a particularly stressful time - easing the passage of serving personnel about to be deployed overseas and helping to relieve the anxiety of those waiting for loved ones to return. We three main single service charities applaud this initiative. The task of easing pressure on hard-pressed armed forces families is a vital element of our welfare work. Our thanks goes out to Thales UK, and we look forward to working with them on similar projects in the future.”
John Howe Chairman of the Thales UK Charitable Trust, says: “Thales UK is immensely proud to be a key partner of the UK Armed Forces and through our Charitable Trust we have supported the single service charities for more than 15 years. The charities provide won¬der¬ful support to service personnel and their families, which is particularly important during current operations in Afghanistan.
“Thales UK is also proud of its long association with RAF Brize Norton, which goes back more than 40 years and started with the provision of simulation and training for the VC-10 aircraft. More recently Thales UK is a key part of the AirTanker consortium providing Voyager, the next generation of air transport and air refuelling aircraft for the RAF.”
Thales currently has 21 employees based at RAF Brize Norton, a number of whom attended the ceremony in support of the new sponsorship relationship.
