End of an era as Search and Rescue is privatised
The Search and Rescue service has been awarded to an American firm, bringing an end to seven decades of service by the military.
UK's first military airbase opened 100 years ago
Military aviation was in its infancy and many trainee pilots died mastering the skills that were to play an increasing role in warfare.
Rare Spitfires buried during WWII to be dug up
The planes were buried in Burma on the orders of British troops during the closing stages of the war.
Live updates
Danny Alexander welcomes new Inverness rescue base
Danny Alexander, Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, has welcome news that a new search and rescue base will be opened in the city's airport:
Search and Rescue deal good news for a vital service, and new base at Inverness Airport will be very welcome locally too
From @dannyalexander on Twitter:New rescue helicopters 'will reach larger area of UK'
The Department for Transport has said that under the new contract helicopters will be able to reach a larger area of the UK Search and Rescue region within an hour of take-off than is currently possible.
It added that, based on historic incident data, it is estimated there will be an overall improvement in flying times to incidents of around 20 percent (from 23 to 19 minutes).
Presently, approximately 70 percent of high and very high-risk areas within the UK SAR region are reachable by helicopter within 30 minutes. Under the new contract, approximately 85 percent of the same area would be reached within this time frame.
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Search-and-rescue contract goes to US company
The Department for Transport has confirmed the contract to run the UK's search-and-rescue helicopter service has gone to the US-headquartered Bristow Helicopters.
Background to Search and Rescue privatisation
The plans to privatise search and rescue helicopters were laid originally out by the Labour government in 2006.
The plans were controversial, and designed to replace the ageing Sea Kings that were currently in use.
Soteria SAR was announced as the frontrunning bidder in February 2010, but a year later it was prevented from acquiring the contract due to several issues with the conduct of their bid team, as well as forming part of the coalition government's spending review.
Factfile: The Sea King helicopter
The Sea King helicopter has been in service for over four decades, with a distinguished history with the Search and Rescue service as well as other assignments.
- The Sea King has operated in 10 wars and been involved in 15,000 rescue operations
- It has saved more lives than any other aircraft
- It is reportedly Prince William's favourite aircraft
End of an era as Search and Rescue is privatised
The Search and Rescue service has been awarded to an American firm, bringing an end to seven decades of service by the military.
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Duke of Cambridge's base could be shut down
Among the 12 bases from where search and rescue operations are launched is RAF Valley on Anglesey, where the Duke of Cambridge is based.
Under the contracts due to be unveiled tomorrow, the total number of bases is expected to be cut from 12 to10 although it is not clear which bases will be closed.
Assurances have already been given that the Duke will be moved to another part of the military rather than being employed by the firm that is awarded the search and rescue contracts.
Read: Government to announce sell-off of Search and Rescue service
Govt to announce sell-off of Search and Rescue service
by Chris Ship - Deputy Political EditorThe government is set to announce that Britain's Search and Rescue service is to be sold off to an American firm.
Up until now, the operation has been run by the RAF, Navy and Coastguard Agency.
The firm will actually be awarded two contracts, because the service has been separated into two parts operating different types of helicopter.
An announcement is expected just before the stock market opens in the morning.
UK's first military airbase opened 100 years ago
Military aviation was in its infancy and many trainee pilots died mastering the skills that were to play an increasing role in warfare.
Read the full storyTributes pour in for avalanche victim
Colleagues paid tribute to Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, one of three RAF personnel killed by an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands on Thursday. The 32-year-old, originally from Dulverton, Somerset, had been in the RAF for 12 years.
– Group Captain Dominic Toriati, the Station Commander at Royal Air Force OdihamFlight Lieutenant Fran Capps was an exceptionally dedicated Royal Air Force Officer and Logistician who was well known throughout the Service for her remarkable commitment, her joie de vivre and her utter professionalism.
Fran achieved success wherever she served most recently receiving a Chief of Joint Operations Commendation for her professional excellence, confidence and ‘can-do’ approach in Al Udeid. From Basrah to Kandahar to the Falkland Islands, Fran’s boundless spirit and energy has shone through.
– Officer Commanding Logistics Squadron, Squadron Leader Georgina MewsFran was an exceptional person toknow, having unbounded passion and energy and being loved by everyone on the Squadron. Her loss will be felt across the whole Logistics Community and wider.
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