During his visit to Madrid on 27 November, Major General Franck Mollard, Commander of the European Air Transport Command (EATC), delivered a keynote address at the OCCAR A400M Program Board. He highlighted the exceptional versatility and agility of the A400M, emphasizing how it fulfils its design intent by supporting operations across all levels. With EATC managing 93 of the 125 A400Ms delivered to the entire A400M customer community, the aircraft remains a cornerstone of European air mobility. General Mollard acknowledged challenges related to aircraft availability and flight hours but noted recent improvements in these areas, showcasing the ongoing efforts to maximize operational efficiency. His remarks were particularly significant for OCCAR, whose expertise lies in acquisition and integrated logistical support, complementing EATC’s operational focus.
During his visit, General Mollard also met with Air General Francisco Braco Carbó, Chief of the Spanish Air and Space Force, to discuss Spain’s vital contributions to EATC. Their discussions touched on key topics, including air mobility pooling, fleet modernization, EATC’s evolving role in a dynamic global environment, and human resource development. Spain’s contributions to EATC are substantial: Many Spanish flying assets are under EATC’s authority and Spain plays a key role in the development of the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) in Zaragoza. Additionally, Spanish fleet will be enhanced by the delivery of an additional A400M, and the first of three A330 MRTTs, which combine strategic transport capabilities with air-to-air refuelling. These new aircrafts will be transferred to EATC’s authority, further enhancing the pooled capabilities of member nations.
The cooperation between EATC and Spain reflects a deep-rooted partnership characterized by mutual support and shared objectives. This collaboration not only bolsters operational readiness but also exemplifies how pooling resources strengthens collective capabilities across Europe. To further underscore this partnership, General Mollard visited the Airbus facility in Getafe, where he observed the A400M major overhaul line and the transformation of three conventional A330s into A330 MRTTs. These advancements underscore Spain’s pivotal role in enhancing EATC’s fleet and operational strength.
General Mollard’s visit highlighted the synergy between EATC and the Spanish Air and Space Force, underscoring Spain’s strategic importance in advancing European air mobility. Together, their cooperation continues to drive innovation, optimize resources, and ensure the success of collective missions across Europe and beyond.