RAF VIP flight from Libya

A Royal Air Force BAe HS146 CCMk2(reg. ZE701 – callsign RRR1607B) is landing in Catania in these minutes (19:30 CEST).

The entire trace of the aircraft is not visible but the flight seems to originate in Libya, probably from Tripoli. We have no further information on the mission of the aircraft and who it transported.

The CC2’s primary role is the transport of senior government ministers and Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel and, most famously, senior members of the Royal Family, although this work represents by far the minority of 32(TR) Sqn’s tasking.  If required, the 146’s defensive aids suite (DAS) also offers government ministers and high-ranking military leaders protection during visits overseas where a risk to security is perceived.

Outside VIP work, the CC.Mk 2 has an operational role in-theatre, providing essential support to military commanders by moving personnel and smaller freight items.  The type’s presence also enables key face-to-face engagement between commanders and their personnel, coalition partners and host nation leadership representatives.