Royal Flight - Definition

No. 32 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates from RAF Northolt, west of London, in the VIP and general air transport roles.

The King's Flight was formed for King Edward VIII in 1936 and has provided air transport for the British Royal Family and senior government ministers since. The Queen's Flight was merged with No. 32 Squadron in 1995 to form No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron. No. 32 Squadron's aircraft have served as transports in several recent conflicts including Operation Granby (Gulf War), Operation Veritas (Afghanistan) and Operation Telic (Iraq 2003.)

The Royal Family and government ministers do not use No. 32 Squadron's planes exclusively, with both the Queen and Tony Blair recently using chartered British Airways jets, primarily for intercontinental travel. Prior to this both RAF and BOAC VC10s have performed the role.

In April 2004 it was reported that the squadron's jets were to lose their distinctive red, white and blue livery due to the concern over the aircraft's vulnerability to terrorist attack. While they do carry missile countermeasures it is felt that applying a civilian scheme would lower the profile of the squadron's planes. So far no such plan has been announced for the two unmistakable VC-25s of the USAF (Air Force One.)

Squadron strength

• 6 BAe 125 CC3
• 2 BAe 146 CC2 - Another BAe 146 was recently sold

External links