The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) newest aircraft fleet has reached full-service capability with the delivery of a second Envoy IV CC Mk1 jet transport.

Operated in the Command Support Air Transport role, the aircraft provide discreet air transport of high priority military personnel and small items of mission critical freight to, from and within operational areas.

The declaration of full-service capability comes only two months after delivery of the first aircraft.

UK influence and diplomacy

“Establishing the new Command Support Air Transport service with Envoy IV is the culmination of months of hard work on the part of the RAF, Defence Equipment & Support and our industry partners, Centreline AV Ltd,” said Air Commodore Martin, Assistant Chief of Staff, Air Mobility RAF. “The aircraft will be working similarly hard to deliver UK influence and diplomacy around the world in the coming months and years.”

The Envoy IV aircraft are flown by mixed crews of RAF and civilian pilots with the Command Support Air Transport service provided by Centreline AV Ltd from RAF Northolt.

BAe146 replacement

The Envoy replaces the BAe146 which was retired from service in April this year, and provide a step change in range, efficiency, and operating costs, the RAF said.

From April 2024, the aircraft will be modified with military upgrades and operated solely by RAF crews from 32 (The Royal) Squadron.

The Envoy IV aircraft conducted its first operational flight on 7 June 2022.
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