A SENIOR commanding officer at RAF Brize Norton has defended the base’s record in getting British troops in Afghanistan back home to their families.

Latest figures show that just over half of the flights, using an ageing fleet of Tristar aircraft, are on time while more than 17 per cent are delayed by more than six hours.

It has prompted the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to look at the possibility of allowing soldiers extra leave if their flights are delayed.

This week, the man in charge of the base’s operations wing said the impact on individual soldiers was “regrettable.”

But Wing Cdr Steve Foster-Bazin said the Airbridge operations – flying military transport aircraft into and out of a conflict zone – were a challenge.

He said: “Whilst the impact on individuals is regrettable, the Airbridge successfully moves thousands of people and pieces of vital equipment in extremely hazardous and challenging conditions.”

Latest figures show from January 1 to October 31 this year 56.2 per cent of the 215 Airbridge flights carrying troops and other personnel were on time, while 17.4 per cent were delayed by more than six hours.

The delays are worse than the previous year’s figures.

Wng Cdr Foster-Bazin said that the most recent operation, this month, had showed an improvement,.

He added: “This is no small achievement, considering the environment they are operating in, an environment in no way comparable to those of normal civilian flights.

“Personnel at RAF Brize Norton are fully committed to supporting the Airbridge, and are working extremely hard to deliver a reliable and safe service.”

The military flights use the base’s Tristars, now dating back almost 25 years.They will be replaced by A330-200 strategic tanker aircraft, not expected to come into service for another three years.