A multi-million-pound project to
overhaul critical airfield infrastructure refurbishment at
one at one of the UK's busiest military air bases, RAF
Brize Norton, is now underway.
The RAF project, delivered in conjunction with the Defence
Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), will see the existing runway
surface replaced alongside significant refurbishment of the wider
airfield infrastructure. The project forms part of the
newly-announced Defence Investment Plan, which commits investment
into the refurbishment of major runways and the renewal of
critical infrastructure across the Defence estate.
Within the RAF's Aircraft Operating Surface Programmatic
Approach, VolkerFitzpatrick hasbeenawarded the £180 million
contract, with AECOM as Technical Services Provider, to
carry out the works. Theseinclude afull replacement of
the3kmrunway, refurbishment of taxiways and associated
infrastructure, upgrades to airfield lighting systems and
improvements to drainage and supporting infrastructure.
The programmerepresentsa significant investment in the long-term
operational capability,safetyand resilience of the airfield. The
project will use approximately 350,000tonnes of material during
construction the same weight as 29,000 double decker buses.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry MP said:
RAF Brize Norton is the backbone of UK air mobility. This £180
million upgrade programme ensures it stays that way.
Replacing the runway, upgrading critical systems and
future-proofing the airfield is the long-term
investment defence requires which will create jobs and
opportunities for the local community.
This investment is highlighted in the Defence Investment Plan
under Project Trenchard, the RAF's £10 billion, 10-year programme
to modernise bases and reverse decades of underfunding.
John Crennell, Deputy Head Air Infrastructure Major Programmes
said:
This is a critical programme to renew and modernise the
infrastructure that underpins operations at RAF
Brize Norton. We've moved from design into
delivery, and work is now underway to replace the runway and
upgrade key airfield systems in a carefully phased way.
While there will be a planned runway closure later this
year, we've worked closely with the RAF to ensure operations
continue seamlessly from across the UK. Once complete, the
upgraded airfield will provide a safer, more resilient platform
to support Defence activity at home and overseas.
Bob Noyes, DIO Principal Project Manager, said:
This is a landmark investment in one of the RAF's most critical
assets. Renewing the airfield at Brize Norton is essential
tomaintainingthe capability of the UK's busiest military airbase,
andwe'reproud to be delivering it in a way that also invests in
the local community.
Beyond its operational impact, the project is expected to deliver
lasting benefits to the local area, including thecreation of20
full-time localemploymentopportunities, including
fiveapprenticeships, as well as providing 30 weeks of work
experiencefor local candidates.VolkerFitzpatrickwill prioritise
its supply chain within a 50-mile radius, supporting local
businesses throughout the construction programme.
Jeff Carter, Project
Director VolkerFitzpatrick, said:
VolkerFitzpatrick is proud to support the AOS programme at RAF
Brize Norton, where strong collaboration has driven safety,
communication, and performance across a complex scheme.
With main works underway, early planning has positioned the team
for successful delivery through to 2027.
We remain committed to working in partnership to
deliver infrastructure that enhances operational capability at
RAF Brize Norton.
Meanwhile,as part of further investment into the
Station,construction works are underway for 265 newmilitary family
homesat RAF Brize Norton, in line with commitments to
widenaccess to housing set out in the Defence Housing
Strategy.
