MADG plans for early withdrawal of RAFs C-130Js
Following confirmation of an early withdrawal of the RAFs 14-strong C-130J fleet, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (MADG) is confident it can reduce the number of potential job losses by working with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to secure the effective resale of the aircraft.
Image courtesy MADG
Chief Executive Officer Gary Moynehan (above) said: “We have been anticipating that the MoD would bring forward the out of service date for the C-130 fleet however we had not expected such a short timeframe.
“There is no getting away from the fact that withdrawal by 2023 is disappointing news for Marshall, whilst we have enjoyed significant growth in our international C-130 business over recent years, our partnership with the RAF has remained the bedrock of our C-130 operation.
“It is still too early for us to be able to assess the full impact this decision will have on our operations at Cambridge and Brize Norton but we will do everything we can to protect as many jobs as possible but unfortunately we also have to be realistic at a time when the aviation industry is already under enormous pressure.
“However, in line with Prime Minister’s commitment in the Integrated Review to prioritising UK industrial capability we expect to support the RAF in the successful resale of the C-130 fleet in order to maximise return for the UK economy and in turn reduce the risk of significant job losses within MADG.
“As we have for the last 50 plus years, we will work in partnership with the MoD to managethe withdrawal aseffectively as possible given the timescales. Our teams have been justly proud to support 47, 206 and XXIV Squadrons over so many years and will be incredibly sad to see that come to an end.
“At the same time, we do remain confident that our C-130 MRO business can continue to grow, we have 17 long term international customers and are continuing to win more contracts with overseas operators who recognise the unique capability of the platform."
MADG won a 10-year USMC enablement contract last year to deliver scheduled and unscheduled maintenanceacross its 66-strong fleet of KC130J aircraft. The company currently employees over 1,600 people across locations in Cambridge, Brize Norton, North Yorkshire, Netherlands, UAE and Canada.