RAF Lossiemouth runway busy after upgrade completed early
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THE upgraded runway at RAF Lossiemouth has been busy after fast work saw it completed several months ahead of schedule last week.
The £75 million runway upgrade project was expected to be completed in spring 2021 but, after pre-use checks, the runway was handed over to RAF Lossiemouth on Tuesday, December 15.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) awarded the contract to VolkerFitzpatrick in August last year.
For most of the runway work, which started in January, aircraft continued to operate from RAF Lossiemouth. However, the RAF’s new submarine-hunting P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered to Kinloss Barracks and operated from there during the majority of the works.
A short period of relocation was also needed for Lossiemouth's Typhoon aircraft while the intersection between the station’s two runways was resurfaced. This finished in October, allowing the P-8As and Typhoons to return to their home station.
Station Commander at RAF Lossiemouth, Group Captain Chris Layden, said: "Lossiemouth now really is a next-generation maritime patrol and fighter station."
He added: "It’s been a privilege to see our newly resurfaced runway so busy since its early completion.
"We’ve already conducted joint training with F-35B Lightning aircraft from 207 Squadron and been joined by a large US Navy detachment. That is of course in addition to our usual 24/7 Typhoon and Poseidon operations.
"My thanks go to my team, and contractors VolkerFitzpatrick for their hard work in successfully delivering the main runway ahead of schedule."
Russ Liddington, DIO’s project manager for the resurfacing works, said: "The completion of the runway works months ahead of schedule is a testament to the hard work and collaborative attitude of everyone involved in the project, whether from DIO, VolkerFitzpatrick, RAF Lossiemouth or one of the sub-contractors.
"The runway resurfacing and associated works, such as installing new drainage and airfield lighting, will see the runway life extended by up to 25 years.
"I’d also like to thank the local community for their support which is much appreciated by us all."
Wing Commander Pete Beckett, director of the Lossiemouth Development Programme, said: "The completion of the runway work here at RAF Lossiemouth represents the first major upgrade to be delivered by the development programme, and to have such a complex project delivered some three months early in the challenging context of 2020 cannot be underestimated.
"While we have secured the station's operational output through the new operating surfaces, we now turn more towards the people-focused improvements where we are going to upgrade both working and living accommodation across the unit. The exciting times continue."
Keith Maplethorpe, VolkerFitzpatrick development director, said: "Completing the works ahead of schedule has been a collaborative effort and is testament to the ongoing commitment of our teams to ensure that key projects can continue throughout this pandemic. We are looking forward to the next project at RAF Lossiemouth."
Other improvements to future-proof the base include accommodation for personnel, a new Air Traffic Control Tower, upgrades to drainage and electrical supplies, and upgraded facilities for IX (Bomber) Squadron.
At the end of November the airbase posted a series of videos online to mark the final completion of the £100 million facility for its Poseidon aircraft.
Designed and built by Boeing and Elgin-based Robertson Group, more than 300 employees worked on the 33,000sq m facility during at its peak.
It can house three aircraft and includes all of the equipment and facilities needed to support the entire Poseidon operation.
As a defence critical project, upgrade work at RAF Lossiemouth has continued through the pandemic with enhanced safety measures in place.
