Royal Air Force pilots and their civilian counterparts from AirTanker are working side by side to strengthen operational resilience and flexibility across the UK’s air mobility enterprise.
The collaboration brings together military and civilian aircrew operating the Voyager aircraft, combining expertise and experience to ensure the UK maintains a responsive and adaptable capability in support of global operations.
By integrating training, sharing knowledge, and operating within a joint environment, RAF and AirTanker pilots are enhancing their ability to respond to a wide range of operational demands from routine transport tasks to critical contingency operations.
Officer Commanding 10 Squadron, Wing Commander Brook said:
“This partnership is a clear demonstration of how our whole force approach delivers operational advantage. By working closely with AirTanker, we are strengthening resilience, increasing flexibility, and ensuring we can respond effectively whenever and wherever we are needed.”
Wing Commander Brook
Officer Commanding 10 Squadron
AirTanker pilots, many of whom bring extensive commercial aviation experience, operate seamlessly alongside RAF crews. This integration could support a consistent, safe, and highly capable output, and help the force scale activity to meet changing demands, if and when required.
Paul Kimberley, Chief Operating Officer at AirTanker said:
“This represents a practical step in how we continue to develop the Voyager Force, with the potential for civilian pilots to support military crews when demand requires. Most importantly, it reflects how the RAF and AirTanker partnership continues to adapt in a considered and pragmatic way, ensuring the capability is ready to respond when needed.”
Paul Kimberley
Chief Operating Officer at AirTanker
The Voyager fleet plays a critical role in UK Defence, supporting air-to-air refuelling and strategic air transport tasks. The partnership between the RAF and AirTanker is central to maintaining this capability, ensuring it remains robust, flexible, and ready for future challenges.
This enduring collaboration highlights the strength of the whole force model—bringing together military personnel, civilian specialists, and industry partners to deliver world-class air mobility for the UK.
