British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was reported to personally intervene to prevent the Royal Air Force (RAF) from scrapping a £40 million ($50.76 million) helicopter flight despite criticism over his use of official and military aircraft to travel around the UK.
The Daily Mail reported that the helicopters were originally set to be decommissioned under former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace after announcing the plan last July after Sunak was criticized for using them for taking local trips when there were cheaper and less polluting alternatives.
However, Sunak directed the new Defense Secretary, Grant Shapps, to reverse the decision in September.
A spokesperson for Number 10 said that Sunak "regularly uses all forms of travel" and that his travel plans vary and are "always decided with consideration to the most efficient and best use of his time," as well as taxpayers' interests.
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The helicopters set to be removed from service and eventually reinstated were AgustaWestland AW109s based with No. 32 (Royal) Squadron at RAF Northolt under a VIP operation in place since 2006.
An RAF officer attached to the unit, Squadron Leader Tom Woods, wrote on the RAF Northolt Approach that the reversal of the decision to scrap the helicopters was due to the "frenetic activity" Sunak and other VIPs made recently, as well as to "rapidly ensure all the key elements required to allow [the helicopter] to continue service were in place."
Woods also suggested that when the temporary contract expires, there would be a tender for a new permanent one. The previous five-year deal was previously advertised as being worth £30 million to £40 million ($38 million to $50.76 million).
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