RAF Wyton’s airfield will close next year after training flights are moved to other bases around the country, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The 57(R) Squadron will be the first to go, and will be transferred to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire this summer, with the Cambridge University Air Squadron, University of London Air Squadron and Number 5 Air Experience Flight moving to RAF Wittering by mid 2014.
Babcock International Group, which employs 52 people to provide aircraft engineering and air traffic support at RAF Wyton, will announce the impact on its workforce at a later date.
Eight RAF personnel will be redeployed.
Wing Commander Mike Brown, commanding officer at RAF Wyton, said: “Due to the significant running costs associated with maintaining an operational airfield at Wyton, it has been decided to relocate its flying units, resulting in airfield closure. This announcement is as a result of a decision taken in 2012 to rationalise elementary flying training.”
The end of training flights comes as RAF Wyton continues its transformation – and expansion – into a military intelligence hub.
A Magpas Helimedix spokesman said it was not affected by the decision and had signed a 10-year lease in 2012.
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