"BAE Systems announced record profits this year of more than 3bn, buoyed by increased defence spending linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and Russia's war in Ukraine. The decision to scrap support for the aid aircraft is thought to have been made in order for the defence firm to pursue projects related to Nato members' 5% increase in spending on arms."
"Britain's biggest weapons manufacturer, BAE Systems, has quietly scrapped support for a fleet of aircraft providing life-saving humanitarian aid to some of the world's poorest countries. The decision further reduces the distribution of vital aid to countries facing serious humanitarian crises, including South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). BAE Systems announced record profits this year of more than 3bn, buoyed by increased defence spending linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and Russia's war in Ukraine."
BAE Systems withdrew technical and airworthiness support for the Advanced Turbo-Prop (ATP) fleet and voluntarily surrendered the ATP type certificate issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The company informed the European Union Aviation Safety Agency that ATP models are no longer produced and that only a few remain in operation. The decision has led to cancellation of several humanitarian contracts, including a World Food Programme route serving 12 destinations in Somalia. EnComm Aviation, the last known operator, delivered nearly 18,700 tonnes of aid across east Africa from 2023 to last month and now has its fleet grounded. BAE reported record profits exceeding £3bn amid increased defence spending linked to recent conflicts and higher NATO arms budgets.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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