A new edition of the Initial Combined Air Terminal Training (ICATT) was held from 21 to 25 October 2024, organized by the European Air Transport Command (EATC) and hosted by the Italian 3rd Wing at the Villafranca di Verona Training Facility. This session presented a unique opportunity for the eighteen trainees from EATC member nations, as well as participants from Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, and Lithuania, to receive comprehensive training on processing passengers, luggage, and cargo, in full accordance with the EATC’s Ground Operation Manual (EGOM).
Following the certification of the Airborne and Air Transport School in Altenstadt, Germany, in 2021, this marks the second time a training facility has earned the prestigious EATC certificate, officially recognizing it as an "Acknowledged Multinational Ground Handling Training Facility." The awarding of this certification highlights the facility's commitment to excellence and multinational collaboration. Major General Franck Mollard, COM EATC, personally presented this distinguished certificate to Colonel Francesco Russo, Commanding Officer of the Italian Air Force 3rd Wing Villafranca Training Facility, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in the field of ground handling training.
ICATT exemplifies the joint efforts between the Villafranca Training Facility and EATC, creating a lasting partnership that enhances both expertise and operational readiness. In his speech, General Mollard emphasized, “This certificate is a recognition of your excellent training facility here in Villafranca, but in particular, it acknowledges the quality of the training you provide. My compliments to the outstanding performance of the instructors! But this certificate also values your commitment to one of EATC’s most valuable assets: multinationality. Training together in a multinational environment will ultimately achieve interoperability and standardization, which are paramount for running successful air operations. I thank you all for your commitment to making air mobility a multinational success.”
The Initial Combined Air Terminal Training, along with the Advanced Combined Air Terminal Training programs organized by EATC, delivers both theoretical and practical instruction, covering the full spectrum of ground handling operations. These programs are meticulously aligned with the EATC Ground Operations Manual, ensuring that all participants are trained to the highest standards. While initially developed for EATC member nations’ ground handlers, the growing scope of these programs now welcomes an increasing number of international partners, offering a platform to foster greater interoperability and standardization across participating nations.
Photo courtesy of Italian Air Force (3rd Wing)