A CONTRACT to resurface the runway at RAF Northolt has been awarded to Lagan Aviation and Infrastructure.

The contract, worth £23m, will upgrade the existing runway, improve drainage and instal new arrestor beds to improve safety. work will extend the life of the runway by 10-15 years.

RAF Northolt is home to 33 units from all three armed services.  The resident flying squadron is 32 (Royal), who provide air transport to government and military leaders on official business. 

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Gp Capt Mike Carver, the station commander, said: “RAF Northolt is the last remaining military airfield within the M25 and the resurfacing will assure flying operations for decades to come.”

Work is expected to take six months with the runway being closed for renovation from spring to autumn 2019.

During this time, military aircraft will operate from RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire and civilian aircraft will from other civilian airports.