§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate has been made of the cost of each flight to the United States by the RAF from Brize Norton; and how many of these flights, on average, take place each year. [30629]
§ Mr. SoamesThere are on average 102 return VC10 trooping flights to the United States from Brize Norton each year. The estimated average cost of each flight is £30,600 each way.
In addition, there are in excess of 150 exercise flights to various parts of the United States which are undertaken by both VC10 and Tristar aircraft. Figures for the average cost of these flights are not available.