From 14 to 16 April 2026, the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Centre (AECC) of the European Air Transport Command hosted its annual meeting of the National Patient Evacuation Coordination Centres (NPECC), gathering experts from its seven member nations.
In a milestone for the organisation, the meeting took place outside Eindhoven for the first time, hosted by the Unidad Médica de Aeroevacuación (UMAER) at Torrejón Air Base near Madrid. The new setting provided a unique opportunity to connect more closely with national capabilities on site.
The event began with a special highlight: participants travelled to Spain aboard a German Air Force A400M training flight, where they experienced aeromedical evacuation procedures first-hand. This practical introduction set the tone for a meeting focused on real-world cooperation and shared expertise.
Over the following days, participants exchanged knowledge, discussed recent missions, and explored ways to further improve coordination and quality in aeromedical evacuation. A key focus was ensuring readiness to respond effectively to large-scale crises in a possible NATO Art V scenario.
Hands-on elements remained central throughout the programme. Participants visited a Spanish Air Force A330MRTT configured for medical evacuation and attended a live demonstration showing how infectious patients are safely transported using specialised isolation systems—highlighting both precision and professionalism.
Beyond the formal sessions, the meeting stood out for its strong spirit of collaboration and the warm hospitality of the Spanish hosts, who offered a memorable insight into their culture and working environment.
The NPECC meeting once again confirmed its value as a platform for strengthening cooperation and keeping Europe’s aeromedical evacuation community ready to respond—together.
The next meeting will take place in Eindhoven from 2 to 4 February 2027.