During the Christmas Break, the European Air Transport Command (EATC) once again demonstrated its unparalleled expertise in mission planning and execution, ensuring the successful completion of two critical operations.
1. VIP Flight to Damascus
EATC’s Mission Control (MiCon) played a pivotal role in enabling the German Minister of Foreign Affairs’ urgent journey from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Damascus, Syria, on January 3, 2025. This high-profile mission was meticulously planned and professionally managed by MiCon, providing unwavering support to the A400M crews throughout the operation.
Despite logistical and operational challenges, the collaboration between EATC and the skilled A400M squadrons ensured a smooth and timely execution of this critical diplomatic mission.
2. Air Bridge to Mayotte
In the aftermath of Hurricane Chido, EATC supported the French department of Mayotte Island by coordinating a large-scale air bridge operation from December 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This operation involved daily flights by an A400M aircraft from France to La Réunion Island, covering a distance of 10,000 kilometers.
The results speak for themselves:
| • Over 400 flying hours logged | |
| • 600 passengers transported | |
| • 400 tons of freight delivered |
This monumental effort was a resounding success, thanks to the outstanding performance of the participating squadrons and EATC’s precise coordination. The mission continues, with three A400M flights per week scheduled to sustain the flow of essential support to Mayotte.
A video produced by the French Air Force highlights the remarkable work of the involved squadrons during these operations and is available for viewing below.