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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver improvements to the RAF Coningsby鈥檚 Air Operating Surfaces, including the airfield鈥檚 taxiways and apron areas. Aecom is consulting engineer for the scheme.
VolkerFitzpatrick was first engaged for the project last summer, under an 拢18.6m construction contract. With work now starting, the DIO says the total project cost is 拢28m.
RAF Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations that protect UK airspace, with pilots and supporting personnel on standby 24 hours a day.聽 The station is home to two frontline combat-ready squadrons 鈥� 聽3 (Fighter) Squadron and XI (Fighter) Squadron 鈥� as well as 29 Squadron, which trains the next generation of Typhoon pilots.聽
RAF Coningsby鈥檚 role as a QRA station means that its Typhoons must be ready to launch at all times, meaning all construction works have to be planned around the airfield鈥檚 24-hour alert commitment.聽
DIO project manager Dan Wilmott said: 鈥淭his is an important investment in one of the UK鈥檚 most operationally significant air stations. RAF Coningsby鈥檚 role in defending UK airspace never stops, so delivering these improvements while maintaining the constant readiness of the Quick Reaction Alert has required careful planning.鈥�
The project is expected to be completed in October 2026.
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