Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
French get the royal oui for Queen’s Flight
Anger at UK snub as £80m VIP jets order goes abroad
TWO jets for royals and Government VIPs are to be made in France for £80million – despite pledges by PM 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.
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 RollsRoyce Pearl
Engines – with 85% 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.
Bristol-based Centreline has been contracted to source the planes and provide two years of support. 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 said: “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.”