City firm in £80m deal to replace jets for royals and VIPs
ABRISTOL-BASED company has been contracted to source two jets that will fly Government VIPs and members of the Royal Family around the world, amid controversy that they’ve been bought from France and not the UK.
Centreline, an aerospace company based at Bristol Airport, has been contracted to source two £80million Queen’s Flight planes reportedly bought from France and made in America, despite pledges by Boris Johnson to buy British.
Defence chiefs admit the aircraft, to replace British planes, will be made on the continent using many components from Germany, Greece and Italy, reports the Mirror.
In a move branded “deeply disappointing”, engines for the two Dassault Falcon 900LX will come from America – along with the cabin fit and paint jobs. Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said no British firms made planes of that type.
But Labour MP and ex-defence minister Kevan Jones disputed this. He said: “A VIP aircraft order is an excellent opportunity to showcase our excellent UK aerospace sector.
“The decision to buy from France, with no UK-content whatsoever, is deeply disappointing. A viable alternative – which would have included 15 Rolls-Royce Pearl Engines, with 85 per cent UK-content – could have been selected.”
The French jets will replace BAe 146 planes, which have been used for years to fly royals as part of the RAF’s historic 32 (Royal) Squadron.
The squadron is known as the Queen’s Flight. In a written Parliamentary answer, Mr Quin said: “The Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft are manufactured in France (including components from Germany, Greece and Italy), with completion activities, such as paint and cabin fit... in the USA.
“Each aircraft is powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines manufactured in the USA. Business aircraft of the required size and capability are only available from a limited number of manufacturers... none in the UK.”
The Dassault jets have smaller engines for economy and lower emissions and will be modernised with missile-jamming systems and military communications. Centreline has been contracted to source the planes and provide two years of support, according to the Mirror and a statement released by the RAF in February.
The statement added: “Dassault 900LX was successful in this competition as the standout candidate in performance, cost value and time requirements.”
Two BAe 146 jets being replaced have had 40 years of service. They will go to air museums in Duxford, Cambs, and St Athan, South Glamorgan. Another two have been acquired by a civilian operator in Australia.
An MoD spokesman told the Mirror: “The Dassault 900LX is a more modern and efficient aircraft, and represents good value for the UK taxpayer. The aircraft met all performance, cost and time needs of the department following a rigorous competition.”