On 18 June 2026, a delegation from the European Air Transport Command (EATC), led by Major General Franck Mollard, Commander EATC, visited the German Air Force Centre of Aerospace Medicine in Cologne-Wahn.
The delegation was welcomed by Brigadier General Dr Bernhard Groß, Surgeon General of the German Air Force. During the visit, EATC representatives received a presentation on the Centre’s broad range of tasks. These include the medical selection of future pilots, examinations to keep aircrews fit to fly, and applied research supporting safe military aviation. One example discussed was the development of laser protection glasses for pilots.
A central part of the exchange focused on the future of medical evacuation, especially in a collective defence scenario. The discussion underlined the importance of using available aircraft in a smarter and more flexible way. Instead of waiting for individual evacuation requests, participants explored more predictable medical evacuation flows, possibly combined with logistical transport. Such an approach could help move patients faster while making better use of scarce airlift capacity.
The delegation also received insights into new equipment currently being tested to improve medical evacuation capabilities. Palletised medical frames, fitted either with patient transport units or stretchers, could be installed rapidly in suitable aircraft, similar to cargo pallets. This would make it easier to adapt aircraft to urgent medical needs.
The visit continued at the Special Air Mission Wing of the Federal Ministry of Defence, where the delegation received a briefing on daily operations and future plans. Discussions included possible medical evacuation configurations for the A321neo aircraft. The programme concluded with a guided tour and a visit to the Airbus A350 “Konrad Adenauer”.