Public Sector Air Capability
Description: The Cabinet Office is seeking the provision of a dedicated wet-lease passenger aircraft service, with a mandatory commencement date of 01 April 2027. The aircraft shall be a single aisle narrow-body aircraft (G-Reg) with a minimum range capability of 3,900nm while carrying a Payload of 5,500kg. This performance must be guaranteed against 85% annual probability headwinds to ensure year-round, non-stop operational viability. The aircraft must be equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use.
Summary: The Cabinet Office has launched an open procurement process for the "Public Sector Air Capability" project, seeking the provision of a dedicated wet-lease passenger aircraft service. This procurement is centred around hiring fixed-wing aircraft with crew and is classified under the services category. The contract is intended to commence on 1st April 2027 and will run until 31st March 2029, with potential extensions possible until 31st March 2031. The procurement method employed is a competitive flexible procedure with an open approach. Key dates to note include the tender submission deadline on 22nd June 2026 and the anticipated contract award period ending on 1st December 2026. The procurement involves a range of stages from initial conditions of participation to dialogues and negotiations with shortlisted suppliers, highlighting a flexible approach to achieving the most advantageous outcome.