San Javier, Spain – The skies above Spain may soon witness a historic shift as the Patrulla Águila, the renowned aerobatic team of the Spanish Air and Space Force, prepares for what could be its last-ever performance using jet aircraft at this year’s Aire 25 air show. The team, based at the General Air Academy (AGA) in San Javier, is set to begin transitioning from its long-serving C-101 jets to the modern Pilatus PC-21 turboprop aircraft this summer, coinciding with its 40th anniversary. This transformation signals both an end and a new beginning for the celebrated patrol, which has captivated audiences worldwide for four decades.

According to a report from Europa Press, the transition will commence following a major anniversary celebration scheduled for June 14 and 15, with pilot training on the PC-21 slated for July and August. The potential swan song of the C-101 jets at Aire 25 underscores the significance of this moment, as the team prepares to embrace a new era of aerobatic excellence.

A Legacy Soaring High: The History of Patrulla Águila

The Patrulla Águila, or “Eagle Patrol,” took flight on June 14, 1985, with its inaugural exhibition in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz. Since then, the team has become a cornerstone of Spanish aviation, logging over 30,000 flight hours across more than 500 displays, including 170 international performances. From the opening ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games to the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo in 2023, the patrol has showcased Spain’s aeronautical prowess on the global stage.

Beyond their breathtaking aerial manoeuvres, the Patrulla Águila serves a broader mission: promoting Spain’s aeronautical spirit, acting as ambassadors for the nation, and advancing its aerospace industry. Their performances, marked by precision formations and vibrant displays in the colours of the Spanish flag, have made them a beloved symbol of national pride.

Spain’s Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, recently visited the team at their AGA headquarters, emphasizing their cultural significance. “The Eagle Patrol is an example of what the Air and Space Force is, so closely linked to Spanish citizens. The great celebrations of this country cannot be understood without it,” she told reporters.

The C-101 Aviojet: A Stalwart of the Skies

For 40 years, the backbone of the Patrulla Águila’s performances has been the C-101 Aviojet, a jet trainer designed by Spain’s Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA), now part of Airbus. Introduced in the late 1970s, the C-101 was selected for its agility and reliability, making it an ideal choice for both pilot training and the demanding requirements of aerobatic displays.

With a maximum speed of around 770 km/h (478 mph) and a design optimized for tight maneuvers, the C-101 has enabled the team to execute signature moves like the “inverted mirror” formation—a stunning display of skill where two aircraft fly in perfect harmony, one upside down. Painted in the patrol’s iconic red, yellow, and white livery, the jet has become a familiar sight at air shows and national events.

However, as the C-101 approaches the end of its operational lifespan, the Spanish Air and Space Force has decided to modernize the patrol’s fleet, paving the way for the Pilatus PC-21 to take centre stage.

The PC-21 ‘Pilatus’: A Modern Marvel Takes Flight

Manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland, the PC-21 is a turboprop trainer that represents a leap forward in technology and efficiency. Unlike the jet-powered C-101, the PC-21 relies on a single turboprop engine, offering a blend of high performance, fuel efficiency, and advanced avionics. These features make it a cost-effective solution for training modern pilots while maintaining the agility needed for aerobatic displays.

Commander José Javier Sánchez, the head of the Patrulla Águila, noted that the PC-21 operates within similar height and speed ranges as the C-101, though it introduces technical nuances that will challenge the team. “Both aircraft move within more or less the same parameters, but there are differences that add a little more difficulty to the displays,” he explained. Initially, the patrol will operate five PC-21s, with plans to expand the fleet as more pilots complete their training.

The shift to a turboprop aircraft reflects broader trends in military aviation, where sustainability and operational costs are increasingly prioritized. The PC-21’s cutting-edge cockpit systems and versatility also promise to enhance the team’s capabilities, potentially leading to even more dynamic performances in the future.

A Celebratory Farewell and a New Beginning

The Patrulla Águila’s 40th anniversary celebration on June 14 and 15 will serve as both a tribute to its past and a launchpad for its future. The two-day event will kick off with an open-door day at the AGA, featuring a static exhibition of various aircraft for the public to explore. On June 15, the skies will come alive with an air show featuring Europe’s top aerobatic teams, including a final performance by the Patrulla Águila in their C-101 jets.

Following this farewell, the team will dive into training on the PC-21 throughout July and August. Sánchez emphasized a gradual approach to the transition, stating, “We will acquire skills little by little through training.” This methodical process ensures that the pilots, already seasoned experts with the C-101, can adapt seamlessly to the new aircraft without compromising their signature precision.

Beyond the Wings: The AGA’s Evolution

The aircraft transition is part of a broader wave of upgrades at the General Air Academy. As the AGA gears up for the next academic year, it is introducing new infrastructure, including a third flight simulator set to be operational by August. Building improvements are underway, and a new pavilion will soon provide students with enhanced living and leisure spaces.

Adding to the academy’s prestige, Princess Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, will join the 78th graduating class next year as part of her military training. Fully integrated into the fourth-year curriculum, she will train alongside her peers under the guidance of a dedicated flight instructor, further elevating the AGA’s profile.

A New Chapter in the Sky

As the Patrulla Águila prepares for what may be its final jet-powered performance at Aire 25, the team stands at a crossroads of tradition and innovation. The C-101 has carried the patrol through 40 years of soaring achievements, while the PC-21 promises to propel them into a future of continued excellence. This summer’s transition is more than a change of aircraft—it’s a testament to the team’s resilience and commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerobatic artistry.

For Spanish citizens and aviation enthusiasts alike, the Patrulla Águila remains a source of inspiration, bridging the armed forces and the public through the universal language of flight. As the PC-21 takes wing, the Eagle Patrol is poised to write the next chapter of its remarkable legacy, one maneuver at a time.