Serco awarded new contracts to continue to support RAF Air Cadets glider fleet

Air May 8, 2025

Serco, the provider of services and support to governments internationally, has been awarded two contracts to continue to support the Royal Air Force’s Air Cadet glider fleet.

Under the Glider Support contract, Serco will continue to maintain the RAF’s fleet of 52 Viking T Mk1 gliders, (Grob 103B variant), for a further two years, with an option to extend the contract for another one year. The contract is valued at c. £8m over the initial two years. The gliders are operated by No. 2 Flying Training School, who provide a flying experience in a military environment, including solo flying, for the Air Cadets aged 13 – 17 years. This flying experience is delivered through a Centralised Gliding School and Volunteer Gliding Squadrons located at nine sites dispersed across the UK. Serco will also continue to provide an aerotow capability, using Serco’s own Pierre Robin aircraft, and the Winchlaunch system, which encompasses the maintenance and support for the fleet of SkyLaunch winches.

Additionally, Serco has been awarded a new contract for the provision of spares for the Viking T Mk1 gliders for the next three years, with an option to extend for a further two years.

Commenting on the contract awards, Doug Umbers, Managing Director of Serco’s defence business, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts to continue to maintain and support the RAF’s glider fleet. Every year, No.2 Flying Training School enables over 5,000 Air Cadets around the UK enjoying a flying experience and we are very proud to have been making a real impact by providing these services since 2008.”

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