The Spanish Air Force has officially inked a deal to acquire an additional 16 PC-21s, reinforcing their pilot training division with more Pilatus trainer aircraft. Having decided to purchase 24 PC-21s in early 2020, this recent development now solidifies Spain’s position as the largest PC-21 operator in Europe.
Photo: Pilatus
After using the PC-21 for over 18 months, the Spanish Air Force has been left in awe with how efficiently the integrated training system works. It provides a range of benefits from reliable and efficient aerodynamics and safety systems, to avionics that allow it to perform diverse phases of flight training. Lieutenant Colonel Ildefonso Martínez-Pardo González, AGA Air Operations Group Commander, noted that the PC-21 has exceeded their expectations and that their partnership with Pilatus has been exemplary.
The package put forward to the Spanish Air Force includes the delivery of 14 PC-21s at the Academia General del Aire (AGA) in San Javier, with two more to be based in Torrejón near Madrid. These two additional PC-21s will be used specifically for experimental, flight test training as well as research and development. The contract also includes a PC-21 simulator, two cockpit procedure trainers and pilot training software, among other crucial equipment.
Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, expressed his delight, stating that Spain’s decision to purchase more PC-21s was a testament to the capabilities of their training system. He was also excited that the Spanish Air Force had chosen Pilatus yet again.
For more information, hit the Source below