FighterControl

Hi All,

What is the current operational standing when it comes to Airtanker airframes? Having seen in the last few weeks a number of charters taking the place of the airtanker aircraft on their regular routes I was confused as to why Airtanker would have leased out an airframe to Jet2?

From my understanding:
> G-VYGM operating for Jet2 since 08/04
> G-VYGK operating the South Atlantic airbridge
> G-VYGJ last landed at Brize 18/02 according to FR24 (on maintenance?)

Without getting too political with regards to PFI's and previous governments I'm surprised that given the apparent capacity shortfall here that Jet2 would get priority, unless it is part of the overall airtanker contract.

Cheers,

Stu

What shortfall?

G-VYGJ is in the Air Tanker Hangar at Brize rumoured to be very broken

Al dunn wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 25, 2025 8:16 pm

G-VYGJ is in the Air Tanker Hangar at Brize rumoured to be very broken

It's outside Al, tail on to the viewing by Britannia gate.

Neil

POL wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 25, 2025 4:49 pm

What shortfall?

Ok, maybe a wrong term of phrase. Given that we're now using external charters to cover regular operational routes while the airframe we were using is now carrying holiday makers feels a bit out of place.

Stu

If you think about it, Voyager is now only used in its refueling role for Typhoon and F35. It can’t refuel any of our “heavies” (except A400 ?) because it is not boom equipped.
For all the big stuff ( RC135, C17, P8, E7) we have to use USAF tankers.
The way the Fighter Force is going each squadron will soon be able to have its own permanently allocated tanker!

If MOD trooping flights are using chartered airlines it is possible that Airtanker are covering the cost. In this crazy world probably cheaper to use the charter than run their own A330's

Were the 4 used as passenger transports ever converted to MRTT spec or do they remain pure A330-200?

Jet2 usally have two A330's for there summer schedule. I think this year it will be three from air tanker as iam pretty sure there will be two flying from Manchester (one is currently) and there basing another from Birmingham.

NorvilleRogers wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 26, 2025 8:09 am

Were the 4 used as passenger transports ever converted to MRTT spec or do they remain pure A330-200?

All 14 Aircraft have been converted, and all have the ability to be turned back into Tankers.

Doughnut wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 26, 2025 7:35 am

If MOD trooping flights are using chartered airlines it is possible that Airtanker are covering the cost. In this crazy world probably cheaper to use the charter than run their own A330's

If MOD has the requirment outside of the contracted AirTanker aircraft, then MOD pay for the additional charters.

Sorry I know I shouldn't ask this but what has happened with ZZ336 - Vespina? Haven't heard of or seen it about for a while?

ZZ336 is in for long term maintenance at Brize, in pieces from what I've heard

Ah ok cheerz for that AlexLee05......

Interesting G-VYGM flew out of Manchester to Prestwick this afternoon using the call sign call sign TOW755.
Operator listed as Air Tanker not Jet2.

Wyvern wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 29, 2025 3:40 pm

Interesting G-VYGM flew out of Manchester to Prestwick this afternoon using the call sign call sign TOW755.
Operator listed as Air Tanker not Jet2.

It looks like a flight training. Departed as TOW755 to Prestwick and then conducted 2 lots of circuits before then returning to Manchester as TOW712 at 19:00.

Stu

Philwinward wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 26, 2025 7:00 am

If you think about it, Voyager is now only used in its refueling role for Typhoon and F35. It can’t refuel any of our “heavies” (except A400 ?) because it is not boom equipped.
For all the big stuff ( RC135, C17, P8, E7) we have to use USAF tankers.
The way the Fighter Force is going each squadron will soon be able to have its own permanently allocated tanker!

Do any of the C17/P8 missions use AAR ?