First dig ceremony as building starts on new training facilities at RAF Valley

On Friday 11th March the ground was broken at RAF Valley to start construction of new training facilities which are part of a £175M investment in the Basic Flying Training operation within the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). Delivered for our customer Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), our industry partners from Babcock International and Kier will extend existing infrastructure to house new simulators and additional instructors. This will enable us to grow our capacity for additional trainee aircrew over the coming years.

Jon Cowdry, Ascent General Manager at RAF Valley said “It was a pleasure to host our local MP, Virginia Crosbie; and our RAF and DE&S customers for this milestone event here at RAF Valley. Fantastic to see us collectively supporting the local Anglesey economy, and we are extremely grateful to the support we receive locally.”

Geoff Adams, Director, Military Aviation UK, Babcock International commented, “I am delighted that Ascent and Babcock continue our strong relationship to further secure the future of this site and skills in the local community for many years to come. Our enduring commitment to provide purpose-built facilities in which to deliver world-leading pilot training, will ensure that the UKMFTS programme continues to deliver highly trained military aircrew who will go on to serve their country.”

Virginia Crosbie, MP Ynys Môn said “I was absolutely delighted to cut the ribbon to start work on this amazing investment in our pilot training right here at RAF Valley. In these uncertain times, having this infrastructure is vital to our national interest and future military capability. I look forward to the building taking shape and being an important part of our defence assets.
Many thanks to Ascent for all the work it does training our pilots, for its commitment to Anglesey and for inviting me here to conduct this ceremony.”