Quick confession, previously involved in this programme on the mil side. All airframes, including the mil ones are owned by Airtanker. All frames will be released to the RAF when the surge requirement dictates. Airtanker has MOD permission to lease the ac when not required for surge ops, so whilst not "owned" by the RAF, they dictate their use. The civilian Ts & Cs are competitive, I don't understand your term "solid", but beauty of a contract is in the eye of the beholder. Upwards of 14 of my ex AAR sqns are now employed on the civilian side and also training. They are currently not required to be AAR trained due sufficient mil AAR trained crews even for max surge capacity. That's not to say it isn't being suggested.