Thanks for the opinions,
It seems that this all lends itself to the AT having a hub in Cyprus and then both other ends could be serviced the same way, pick up and drop off where convenient.
It still amazes me that when Apache are changed over in theatre, with C17 parking about 100 metres from the Apache servicing hub, we cant drop one and pick one up at the same place, if not two at a time. With the bill that delivery and recovery from Brize attracts does anyone look at the overall impact to all parties rather than just the AT impact?
I dont pretend this is a panacea but where appropriate that it should not be discounted when other MOD issues are taken into the equation.
Wattisham: Runway, ILS, PAR, ORP parking, C130 can get on the apron etc. Also a plan discussed, but awaiting funding, to demolish a HAS site and establish a purpose built AT apron in support of 16X. Now there would be a capability, the largest Bde not having to troop through SC to BN taking god knows how long and arriving wherever they are going fit for f*** all. All when they are the lead Bde for rapid response!
Not to mention having a Bde Para Sqn for jumping that has bugger all to do for the foreseeable future.
HEDP