Planes back at RAF's largest base after runway repairs

3 hours ago

Martin Eastaugh,at RAF Brize Nortonand

Ethan Gudge,South of England

RAF Voyager Vespina was the first aircraft to arrive on the new runway on Friday

BBC RAF Voyager Vespina - which is often used to transport VIPs including the royal family - is a white plane with Union Jack livery. It is being guided into place by a man in a hi-vis. — RAF Voyager Vespina was the first aircraft to arrive on the new runway on Friday

Flights have returned to the RAF's largest airbase following a £180m upgrade centred on its runway.

RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire closed its runway in July for work the Ministry of Defence said would ensure it remained "fully operational and fit" in the long term.

Over the past four months, the entire 1.9-mile (3km) runway has been dug up and relaid, with upgrades also made to taxiways, lighting and drainage.

On Friday, RAF Voyager Vespina - which is often used to transport VIPs including the royal family - became the first aircraft to arrive on the new runway.

Pilot Wing Cdr Graham Prager said it was an "absolute privilege" to bring the plane back to Brize Norton after four months away.

"I've missed being home... so it's nice to be back where home is and where all your support is," he added.

The scheme involved the base's runway being torn up and relaid

MOD Crown Copyright Heavy machinery moving ruble as the runway at RAF Brize Norton was dug-up and relaid over summer. — The scheme involved the base's runway being torn up and relaid

Brize Norton is home to the RAF's air-transport and refuelling aircraft, which is responsible for moving military hardware and troops around the world whilst also supporting disaster relief and evacuations efforts.

About 5,800 service personnel are usually based at the site, with about 1,600 stationed at different bases during the upgrade works.

Gp Capt Kate Macartney, who is Station Commander at RAF Brize Norton, said it was a "proud day to welcome our people and aircraft back".

"It's really, really important to have all of our people back and it's a really good day at Brize Norton today."

"The runway project ensures the sustainment and modernisation of a resilient airfield that continue to support critical air mobility outputs for many years to come," she added.

Pilot Wing Cdr Graham Prager (centre) was welcomed back to the base by Gp Capt Kate Macartney and Gp Capt Stu Patton

Pilot Wing Cdr Graham Prager (centre) is welcomed back to the base by Gp Capt Kate Macartney and Gp Capt Stu Patton. — Pilot Wing Cdr Graham Prager (centre) was welcomed back to the base by Gp Capt Kate Macartney and Gp Capt Stu Patton

More than 40 aircraft were relocated during the four-month closure.

They continued to operate from seven other UK airfields - including at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire and Bournemouth Airport.

Gp Capt Stu Patton, the Commander Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton, said he was "particularly proud to see that we haven't missed a beat during our time away".

"Proving our ability to keep operations going while operating from unfamiliar environments is just one part of the capabilities we take very seriously in our ability to defend the nation."