RAF High Wycombe has awarded Ryder a five-year contract to run its transport operations. The £1 million a year deal follows Ryder winning the £160 million, five year contract to fleet manage and maintain British Airways' Ground Fleet Services operations at Heathrow and Gatwick.

At High Wycombe Ryder's Defence Division will manage the day-to-day operation of the station's Motor Transport Section, where its duties will include the management and allocation of 100 vehicles - two buses, 12 minibuses, and the remainder cars - and the provision of drivers. The contract does not affect Lex Vehicle Leasing's solus five year supply relationship with the RAF's white fleet. Ryder will also take responsibility for maintaining a fleet of 30 Ministry of Defence vehicles including Land Rovers and trucks at an on-site RAF workshop.

The company already has a well established relationship with the MoD, winning a contract to lease, maintain, and manage 2,500 vehicles in January 1996 as part of a £59 million MoD investment programme.