Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Thursday, 23 March 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 April 2000. It was answered by Lord Moonie (Labour) on Monday, 10 April 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how transport to Saudi Arabia would differ from present arrangements following the purchase of (a) the Antonov 124 and (b) the Boeing C17.

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how transport to Saudi Arabia would differ from present arrangements following the purchase of (a) the Antonov 124 and (b) the Boeing C17. [116499] Dr. Moonie: Currently there are two C-130 and one VC10 resupply flights to Saudi Arabia every week; these flights also serve Kuwait in their schedule. If the Antonov An-124 were employed, it could substitute for the two C-130s, but the VC10 would have to be maintained for passengers. As the C-17 can also carry passengers, only one C-17 flight per week would be necessary to meet the total requirement.

Secondary information