The FSTA service

The AirTanker organisation is designed to achieve high aircraft availability and reliability, in support of the RAF’s flying programme. This is not achieved in isolation and the organisation will be working side by side with the RAF and its worldwide logistical network to anticipate current and future requirements – and to get the job done.

RAF personnel will be embedded into the AirTanker organisation to deploy aircraft to any operational environment and communicate requirements; thereby, ensuring a highly effective partnership is maintained. A number of the aircraft will be operated on the civil register, flying air transport tasks and maximising the productivity of the fleet.

Support deployed operations

AirTanker provides a global support network and the logistic support of the A330, working closely with the RAF’s supply and movements organisation to deploy the equipment and personnel needed for worldwide operations.

Receive aircraft

Upon mission completion we make the aircraft ready for the next task, undertaking work ranging from downloading key data to cleaning the cabin.

Maintain aircraft

We make sure the aircraft are maintained and available to meet the RAF’s flying programme. Line maintenance is provided by an integrated workforce of AirTanker and RAF technicians.

Fleet planning and flight organisation

AirTanker works with the RAF to understand future requirements and planned tasks and allocates aircraft to meet these needs, providing the RAF with full visibility of the A330-200 fleet and its status.

Dispatch flights

AirTanker prepares aircraft to meet mission requirements and ensures they are ready for flight before hand-over to the RAF captain.

Fly aircraft (refuel receiver aircraft, provide air transport)

The RAF file all the military missions using aircraft on the military register while AirTanker collects performance trend data enabling us to anticipate and address any maintenance issues when the aircraft lands.

Support deployed operations

AirTanker provides a global support network and the logistic support of the A330, working closely with the RAF’s supply and movements organisation to deploy the equipment and personnel needed for worldwide operations.

AirTanker is providing the RAF with a managed and integrated Training Service in a new purpose built training centre at Brize Norton.  The centre will house a CAA ‘Level D’ – certified FSTA aircraft simulator. Training programmes will cover:

• Pilot conversion training
• Mission systems operator training (Air refuelling role)
• Cabin crew training
• Training for aircraft maintenance personnel
• Training for Fleet operations staffs
• Training for RAF personnel supporting the FSTA service delivery – e.g., RAF movements staffs

Pilot training will be based on the civil A330-200 Type Rating syllabus, with additional training to cover military avionic and equipment differences. Training to EASA Part 66 Maintenance Licence standards will enable RAF and civil aircraft engineers to maintain FSTA aircraft in an EASA Part 145 approved maintenance organisation.