§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how transport to Saudi Arabia would differ from present arrangements following the purchase of(a) the Antonov 124 and (b) the Boeing C17. [116499]
§ Dr. MoonieCurrently there are two C-130 and one VC10 resupply flights to Saudi Arabia every week; these flights also serve Kuwait in their schedule. If the Antonov An-124 were employed, it could substitute for the two C-130s, but the VC 10 would have to be maintained for passengers. As the C-17 can also carry passengers, only one C-17 flight per week would be necessary to meet the total requirement.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how(a) refuelling and (b) diversion arrangements would differ from those which currently apply, in respect of transport to the Falklands, following the purchase of (i) the Antonov 124 and (ii) the Boeing C17. [116498]
§ Dr. MoonieThe current six Tristar C2 passenger and one Tristar KC1 freighter flights to the Falkland Islands all refuel at Ascension Island and rely on Rio de Janeiro or Montevideo for their diversions. If the Antonov An-124 or the Boeing C-17 were used in place of the Tristar KC 1 freighter, the present refuelling and diversion arrangements would not change.