On 26 January 2022, the Spanish Air Chief, General Javier Salto and his deputy, Lieutenant General Ignacio Bengoechea welcomed Major General Andreas Schick, Commander EATC, for bilateral talks. The generals exchanged views on EATC’s initiative to offer a more comprehensive multinational planning and coordination during a crisis, and on other areas where the cooperation with and the support to the Spanish Air Force can be improved.
Then they addressed EATC’s multinational A400M “lighthouse project”. This subject was also discussed the following day by General Schick and General José Luis Ortiz-Cañavate, Commander of the Spanish Air Mobility Headquarters (GJMOVA). All interlocutors highlighted the importance of increasing interoperability and enhanced operational efficiency among EATC A400M user nations. Spain underwent a major fleet transformation replacing the C130 with A400M and recently acquiring three A330 (to be transformed into MRTTs).
At the end of his visit, General Schick met with the newly appointed Commander of the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC), Colonel Juan Gonzalo Fernández. The commanders confirmed the excellent relationship between EATC and ETAC, and in particular their mutual commitment to offer efficient and tailored airlift training to European air forces.
This visit took place in the framework of “EATC’s outreach visits” to the seven member nations. These exchanges are organised on a regular basis to strengthen bilateral relations, discuss key subjects and approach common initiatives.
Photo courtesy: Spanish Air Force