Tom Anderson wrote:

I understand that the MoD has contracts like that with defence
suppliers, ie BAe, where instead of buying N aircraft (or whatever)
outright and then making separate maintenance arrangements to keep M
of them flying, they just contract with the manufacturer to make M
aircraft available at all times. The manufacturer then has
flexibility as to how they do that, and of course can coordinate
manufacturing, repair, replacement, etc. Seems to be a popular and
clever model; i can't say how well it works in practice.

Apparently the new RAF refuelling aircraft are basically a normal Airbus
(with big tanks in the cargo hold) which the contractor can lease out on the
open market, e.g. at weekends when the RAF is shut. Extended range Ryanair
flights in 'austerity' seating with limited luggage perhaps?

Paul S