32 Sqn?

[Brizeguy]

Heard a rumour that 32 will no longer be "The Royal" Sqn. soon.
2 new Global Express to be based at Farnborough from Apil 2008.
Serco (The Engineering side of 32) told to expect redundancies!

Is this true?

[chevvron]

Presumably 32 will stay at Northolt and be just a comms sqdn again, and the Globals will be contractorised, is that what you're saying?

[Brizeguy]

Yes, that's what I heard but I don't know if it is correct.
Anyone know who is maintaining the Globals if it is?

[f4aviation]

32 (TR) Sqn will retain its 'Royal' mantle for VIP & Royal flights into potentially hostile areas. In April 2008 two new aircraft will be operated under a PFI contract for VIP/Royal taskings in the UK and Europe, most likely a Global Express & BBJ (Blair Force 1). This will enable 32 Sqn to task a BAE146 overseas on a permanent basis.

More info will be available in the RAF Yearbook 2007, due out in April ;)

[XV277]

Will they be RAF/Military registered or Civillian like the S76?

[AlanM]

Put it on the Cayman Islands register and save the tax! :)

[airsound]

f4aviation - you say
"most likely a Global Express & BBJ (Blair Force 1)"

Why a BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) - why not an ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet), for which we do still, after all, make the wings and several other bits in this country?

airsound

[matkat]

Good question but when has "Bliar" or this government done anything to support British industry?:ugh:

[BEagle]

"Why a BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) - why not an ACJ (Airbus Corporate Jet)"

Presumably because the poodle's master told Bliar that he had to.....

"Gosh, yes, George. You're so right. Now, please can I have another lick?"

Incidentally, Airbus offers a complete range of aircraft for corporate, VIP and government aviation - from its A318 Elite, Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ) and A320 Prestige to the widebody A330 and A340…and soon the A380 flying palace.

[airsound]

Quite right Beags, they do. But I believe that their whole VIP range is (loosely) referred to as ACJ.

Incidentally, the BBJ is, as far as I know, basically one model of 737 - though Boeing does also do 747VIP, 777VIP, and eventually 787VIP.

airsound

[AlanM]

When Blair was at Farnborough last year, he departed the show in a A319CJ.

Not that that means anything.....! :)

[Axial Flo]

So do I have to PVR to fly either of these jets out of Farnborough or will there be an RAF component to the crewing?

[QFIhawkman]

Not a chance my friend.

It's long been established that the crew will be civilian, as is the support crew.

If you're RAF, then say goodbye to VVIP flying!

SERCO: You didn't win the bid. Shame.

Hopefully the next guys will have some idea what they're doing. Because from what I've heard, SERCO never had (and still don't have) a clue.

[Jackonicko]

So who will be looking after these?

[L J R]

Those who PVR following next week's kick in the teeth pay case.

[Wycombe]

Airsound, I think there are 2 flavours of BBJ, the BBJ1 (essentially a 737-700) and the BBJ2 (based on the bigger -800), but I stand to be corrected.
If these a/c are to be based at FAB, I wonder if the '76 will move in from it's home a few miles to the North?

[f4aviation]

The two Blair Force aircraft will be civvy operated under a Government PFI, led by the Department of Transport & not attached to 32 Sqn in any way. 32 Sqn will not be reducing its aircraft or personnel, nor is Serco reducing its involvement - indeed, things will get busier for the unit as its a much-used asset in theatre.

[Blacksheep]

Hopefully the next guys will have some idea what they're doing. Because from what I've heard, SERCO never had (and still don't have) a clue.I remember Airworks losing the contract. On Friday all the Airwork techies handed in their Airwork overalls and wandered off into the sunset. On Monday morning the very same techies wandered back in, wearing Shorts Brothers overalls.

[chevvron]

TAG Aviation offers the normal 'total service' facilities of an FBO with it's own maintenance base. Farnborough was re-developed from the outset for traffic like the BBJ2 (737-800).

[BluntedAtBirth]

So who will be looking after these?


Now a question for the BizJet/GA forum! Not RAF, not MOD, not us :).

[Brizeguy]

So it's a total civvy set up?
No extra military fit?
Has the world suddenly become a safer place to fly?
Why will 32 still be "TR" Sqn.?

[Violet Club]

I think there are 2 flavours of BBJ, the BBJ1 (essentially a 737-700) and the BBJ2 (based on the bigger -800), but I stand to be corrected.

There are actually three now.

The BBJ1 (what used to be the plain old BBJ, 737-700 fuse with a -800 wing), BBJ2 (737-800) and now the BBJ3 (737-900ER).

The BBJ3 was launched in late 2005, first deliveries in 2008.

But before I get me coat – for the UK to opt for a BBJ instead of an ACJ would be a very poor move...

VC

[chevvron]

Brizeguy: where did you get this rumour from, was it on a website?

[bad livin']

I saw one GE in a hangar at Romper's Green a few weeks back. Distinctly NOT bristling with ASTOR kit.

[MarkD]

I thought there was a 736 BBJ due with the short field mods?

[Fugazi1000]

Interesting that defensive aids will be fitted for delivery rather than retrospectively once in operation. :hmm: Perhaps the powers that be have learnt a lesson?

[leader12uk]

Just looked at the plans for the new hangars at northolt and the RAF have applied and got planning permission for a height extension for two of the 5 new ones (to 14.5 metres as opposed to 12.5 metres) so as to enable maintenance on jets, planning for the future?

[MarkD]

A second hand A320 eh? Just when BA are disposing of the ageing BCal 320s...