Re Contract

Serco introduces new aircraft, King Air B200, to the Royal Air Force through newly awarded £60 million RAF Cranwell Multi-Activity Contract Serco Group plc ('Serco') today announced that it has been awarded the prestigious RAF Cranwell Multi-Activity Contract (MAC) and Multi-Engine Pilot Training Interim Solution. The contract will also feature the introduction of a new aircraft, the King Air B200, to the Royal Air Force ('RAF') for pilot training. This UK Ministry of Defence ('MoD') contract is valued at approximately £60 million over five years, with options for three one year contract extensions. This innovative contract by Serco will provide a range of flight training and support services to RAF Cranwell. The flight training aspects include some 5,500 flying hours per year on the King Air B200 aircraft and 3,000 simulator hours per year. The MAC services include Management and Administration, Aircraft Maintenance and Mechanical Support Facilities, A/C Avionic and Electrical Support Facilities, Media Services, Communications Information Systems, MT Operations and Maintenance, Supply Support, Fire and Crash Rescue Services, Aptitude Testing Team and Aircraft Leasing. The King Air B200 will be leased by Serco from Raytheon Aircraft Company. The contract comes into full effect on 1 April 2004, when some 350 staff will transfer from the incumbent contractor to Serco. Commenting on the award, Christopher Hyman, Serco Group Chief Executive said: 'This is a significant contract award for Serco. We have a strong track record of successful service provision to the RAF and are delighted that the acceptance of our innovative aircraft leasing solution will introduce the King Air B200 to RAF service. This aircraft is the ideal platform solution to meet the RAF's training requirements for pilot training. Aircraft procurement skills, combined with value for money through life support solutions, will be key skills for the future Military Flying Training System (MFTS) project service'. Nigel J Eadon-Clarke, Commercial Manager for Training Group Defence Agency commented: 'This is the most important contract award that the RAF Personnel and Training Command has made in some years. We look forward to placing the contract `in the drawer' and leaving Serco and RAF Cranwell to work together to produce an outstanding success that can be a model for future MOD contracting. ' - Ends - For further information please contact Serco Defence: T +44 (0) 1256 745 900 Ben Woodford Corporate Communications Director, Serco Group Katherine Stedman Communications Manager, Serco Defence Notes to Editors * Serco Group is an international provider of management services to government and industry. The company covers a wide range of activities, from controlling satellites and operating computer networks for the European Space Agency, to managing and operating the Docklands Light Railway where Serco was recently voted National Rail Operator of the year. * Serco Defence provides task management, operational and logistic support services to the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO defence forces, civil aviation and related industries within the UK and Europe. * Serco Defence provides a comprehensive support services capability in Marine and Port services, Property and Estate Management, Military and Civil Aviation, Total Facilities Management and Multi-Activity Contracts. Serco Defence specialises in developing innovative integrated solutions for Private Finance Initiatives and Public Private Partnerships such as Joint Services Command and Staff College, Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility and Skynet 5. * Serco Defence has wide ranging and proven capability in the delivery of aircraft engineering and associated support services for a comprehensive variety of military aircraft, ranging from military helicopters, to training aircraft, fast jets and turboprops for all three services. * More information on Serco can be found at www.serco.com * The King Air B200 has a proven operational flexibility in a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance and training. The aircraft is used in special mission capacities around the world because of its combination of low operating costs and high performance. * The 'middle sister' of the Beechcraft King Air family, the B200 has become the best-selling turboprop business aircraft ever produced with more than 2,000 now delivered into operation around the world - 700 in-service in special mission operations with governments. * Raytheon Aircraft designs, manufactures, markets and supports Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft for the world's commercial, military and regional airline markets.

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Serco Group (SRP)
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