On behalf of 500 engineers, managers and specialists in the two organisations, Prospect negotiator Jim Cooper welcomed the decision. "It brings to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty for staff and members over the future of both these organisations. All members want to do now is to get on with their work by helping to provide the best possible fleet management service to the armed forces."

Cooper said Prospect was ready to work together with ABRO to make the new agency a success. But he urged the Ministry of Defence to abandon the proposed sale of DARA’s Rotary Wing and Components division based at Gosport and Almond Bank (Perth) and include them in the new agency.

He also warned that the new organisation, which will become operational by April 2008, must not be yet another false dawn like the creation of DARA in 1999.

"DARA was set up as a benchmark for public service, a world-class aviation repair organisation with the best facilities available. Yet MOD killed it off in spite of staff meeting every target put in front of them. This must not be allowed to happen again."

MOD announced that the DARA Large Aircraft division based at St Athan and DARA Electronics, based at RAF Sealand in North Wales, would be merged with ABRO.

ABRO has seven main sites: Andover (HQ); Bovington, Catterick; Colchester; Donnington; Stirling; and Warminster.