---
title: "Cargo Transfer Flights"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-05f642"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f642"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f642.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f642.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)"
published: "2026-04-09"
---

# Cargo Transfer Flights

Buyer: UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-05f642

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f642)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f642.json)

## Summary

UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) has awarded a direct contract for cargo transfer flights to Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions. This award pertains to the aerial transport of cargo to various field sites located in Antarctica. The procurement process is overseen by central government authority UKRI, headquartered at Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK. The process utilised a direct award method due to technical reasons, eschewing typical competitive procedures. The service falls under the 'Aerial and related services' category and is covered by the GPA. The contract was signed on 15 January 2026 and is active until 30 April 2026, with a value of USD 700,450. Additionally, there is a provision for extension to accommodate any further logistical requirements.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in logistics and transportation services, particularly those with specialised capabilities for operations in remote and challenging environments like Antarctica. Given the unique nature of the logistics involved, large-scale enterprises with expertise in aerial cargo handling and cold-climate operations are especially well-positioned to benefit from this contract. SMEs and VCSEs interested in partnerships or sub-contracting roles may also find value in such procurements, although the direct award method used here highlights the necessity of possessing specific technical capabilities to secure such agreements. Businesses in this niche can grow their reputation by demonstrating reliability and expertise in fulfilling rigorous logistical demands.

## Notice

Flights for the transfer of cargo to field sites in Antarctica. This is awarded in line with Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.

### Procurement Information

Competition absent for technical reasoning.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032242-2026 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Direct award |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 9 Apr 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 16 Dec 2025 |
| Contract period | 16 Jan 2026 - 30 Apr 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £700,450 |
| Contracts value | £700,450 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active, Pending |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI) |
| Locality | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE |
| Post town | Swindon |
| Postcode | SN2 1FL |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire |
| ITL 3 | TLK71 Swindon |
| Local authority | Swindon |
| Electoral ward | Rodbourne Cheney |
| Westminster constituency | Swindon North |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ANTARCTIC LOGISTICS & EXPEDITIONS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)

### Codes

- 60440000 - Aerial and related services

## Release History

- 9 Apr 2026 at 10:05 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032242-2026
- 16 Dec 2025 at 09:57 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083159-2025
- 16 Dec 2025 at 09:47 - Award - UK5 - Transparency Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083147-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032242-2026
  9th April 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083159-2025
  16th December 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083147-2025
  16th December 2025 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.ukri.org/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-05f642. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-05f642.json.