A four-year extension has been awarded to the Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract for Babcock, ensuring the continued delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The extension reinforces a long-standing partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), enabling trainee pilots to access safe, reliable, and cost-effective training.

Operating seven days a week, the LAFT fleet has flown more than 775,000 hours. It supports the MOD with University Air Squadron flying training, flying experiences for RAF Air Cadets, Army and Royal Navy flying grading, and international defence flying training.

The provider will continue to deliver aircraft, engineering support, asset management, air traffic control, fire and rescue services, and flying instruction across multiple locations in the UK.

Tom Morton, Managing Director of the organisation’s UK Aviation business, said the extension ensures the MOD will continue to receive a dependable, high-quality flying training service that supports those learning to fly. He added that maintaining strong aircraft availability and consistent instructional standards helps create a training environment that builds confidence at every stage.

He also noted that the organisation’s teams bring deep experience across all aspects of flying training, and that expertise shapes the service delivered each day. The extension reflects the trust placed in its people and the strength of its relationship with the MOD.

Group Captain Jake McAllister, Commandant of No. 6 Flying Training School, said he was delighted that the LAFT contract had been extended. He stated that the four-year extension underscores a proven RAF–Babcock partnership, combining the assurance of an established contract with the flexibility required to meet changing training needs across the whole force, and expressed his intention to continue building on the strong partnership.