Local media reports that the Spanish Air Force’s national aerobatic team, the Patrulla Aguila (Team/Patrol Eagle) will start transitioning to the Pilatus PC-21 after the AIRE 2025 airshow in June.
The Patrulla Aguila have flown the venerable CASA C.101 Aviojet since their formation 40 years ago in 1985. Initially using jets painted in the standard Spanish Air Force training colours of silver and orange, the team only received a dedicated colour scheme in 1992 as part of celebrations for the Olympic Games hosted by the city of Barcelona. They flown 500 displays, of which more than 170 have been held abroad, and 30,000 accumulated flight hours. Unlike other national teams however, they are not a full time unit.
“Patrulla Aguila is a display that highlights what the Air and Space Force is, so united to Spanish citizens. The great celebrations of this country cannot be understood without the team,” said Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles in statements to the media.
The team will formally mark its 40th Anniversary over the weekend of 14th-15th June when San Javier hosts the AIRE 2025 airshow. The event will be split into two halves over the weekend with the Saturday seeing a Open Day and static display at the San Javier Air Academy. Sunday will see an international airshow take place outside the airfield along the seafront.
After the event, the team will start the transition from the jet C.101 to the turboprop Pilatus PC-21 during July and August. Commander José Javier Sánchez said that both aircraft have similar performance though the PC-21 will bring some different technical challenges during the display. Initial plans will see the team fly as a five-ship before slowly and incrementally increasing the formation size.
