Full Lineup Announced for Festival Aéreo Aire 25
The Spanish Air & Space Force has released the full lineup for Festival Aéreo Aire 25, an extraordinary aviation event set to unfold at San Javier Air Base in Murcia. This year’s festival is more than just an airshow—it’s a historic celebration marking the 40th anniversary of Patrulla Águila, Spain’s beloved aerobatic team, and their final performance with the Casa C-101 jets before transitioning to the modern Pilatus PC-21 trainers.
Taking place over two action-packed days, the event will showcase aircraft from seven nations in both static and flying displays. On Saturday, June 14, San Javier Air Base, in Santiago de la Ribera, Murcia, will open its gates from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for an open day featuring over 50 aircraft on the ground. The following day, Sunday, June 15, the skies above the Mar Menor will roar to life with an air show from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, culminating in a special duo display of the C-101 and PC-21—a symbolic handover from one era to the next.
Patrula Aguila / Air2AIr before Athens Flying Week 2024
San Javier Air Base, nestled along the scenic shores of the Mar Menor, has long been a hub for Spanish military aviation. This June, it transforms into the stage for an international celebration of flight. The open day on Saturday offers aviation enthusiasts and families a chance to wander among a vast static display, where over 50 aircraft—from cutting-edge fighters to lovingly preserved relics—tell the story of aviation’s past and present. Sunday’s air show, visible from the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera, promises heart-pounding aerobatics and solo displays that will captivate onlookers against the backdrop of the shimmering lagoon.
The 40th anniversary of Patrulla Águila is the heartbeat of this festival. Formed in 1985, this elite team has thrilled audiences worldwide with their precision maneuvers in the C-101 Aviojet, a Spanish-designed trainer known for its agility. As they prepare to trade their jets for the sleek, advanced PC-21 turboprop, the team will bid farewell to their long-time companion with a final jet display and a unique performance pairing the old and new aircraft—a poignant tribute to their legacy and a glimpse into their future.
To honour Patrulla Águila’s milestone, some of Europe’s finest aerobatic teams will join the festivities, turning the skies into a canvas of colour and precision. The French Air & Space Force’s Patrouille de France, with their Dassault-Breguet Alpha Jets, brings a legacy of elegance dating back to 1953. Known for their tight formations and graceful loops, they’re a fitting guest for this celebration. The Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori, flying the Aermacchi MB-339, are masters of flair, though their participation hangs in the balance after a recent mid-air collision. If they perform, their vibrant smoke trails in green, white, and red will be a highlight.
The Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows, a staple of British airshows since 1965, will showcase their BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets. Famous for their “Diamond Nine” formation, their dynamic display is sure to thrill the crowd. The Swiss Air Force’s Patrouille Suisse, with their Northrop F-5E Tiger II fighters, adds a touch of Alpine precision, their sleek jets cutting through the sky with a distinctive roar. At home, Patrulla Águila will take centre stage with their C-101s, joined by Patrulla ASPA, the Spanish helicopter team flying Eurocopter EC 120B Colibris. ASPA’s nimble rotary-wing performance contrasts beautifully with the jet displays, showcasing Spain’s diverse aerobatic talent.
Saturday’s static display at San Javier Air Base is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by flight. The Spanish Air & Space Force rolls out the Casa C-101 Aviojet from Patrulla Águila and the Eurocopter EC 120B Colibri from Patrulla ASPA, letting visitors admire the tools of Spain’s aerobatic stars. PAPEA parachutists will mingle with the crowd, sharing tales of their high-flying feats. ALA 15’s EF-18A Hornet, AGA’s PC-21, and ALA 31’s Airbus A400M—a massive tactical airlifter—stand alongside ALA 43’s CL-215T and CL-415 firefighting duo. ALA 46’s CASA C235MP-100 and ALA 35’s Airbus C295M offer insight into maritime patrol and transport, while ALA 78’s Airbus H.135, H215M, and Sikorsky S76 show off helicopter versatility. The rare Northrop SF-5M’s from ALA 23 complete the Air & Space Force’s impressive ground presence.
The Spanish Army’s Airbus Helicopters Tiger and Boeing CH-47F Chinook loom large, their combat and transport roles evident up close. The Spanish Navy’s 9th Squadron displays the EAV-8B Harrier II, joined by the Airbus H135 P3H "Nival" from the 12th Aircraft Flotilla Squadron, a modern asset for naval missions. The Portuguese Air Force contributes two Socata TB 30 Epsilon’s from 101 Squadron "Roncos," trainers that have shaped countless pilots. The Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows park their BAE Systems Hawk T1, its sleek lines a draw for admirers. Juan Velarde’s Zivko Edge 540 V2 sits nearby, its compact frame a contrast to the military giants.
The historic display is a highlight, with the Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk6 from Mistral Warbirds joined by two Hispano HA-220 Super Saetas—one from Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya, the other from Asociación Apoyo Aeronáutica y Aviación Histórica. Dual Bücker Bü 131 Jungmanns (from Fundación Infante de Orleans and Fundación Aeronáutica Antonio Quintana), dual Beechcraft T-34 Mentors (from the same groups), and dual North American Aviation T-6 Texans (likewise) offer a double dose of nostalgia. The Fundación Infante de Orleans also showcases a Dornier Do 27 and Beechcraft C-45 Twin Beech, while a Cessna C337 from Fundación Aeronáutica Antonio Quintana rounds out the vintage collection.
Sunday’s air show will feature an eclectic mix of flying displays, each highlighting the skill of pilots and the capabilities of their machines. The Spanish Air & Space Force’s PAPEA parachutists will kick things off, leaping from high altitudes to land with pinpoint accuracy—a testament to their training and nerve. From ALA 15, the McDonnell Douglas EF-18A Hornet Solo Display will roar through the sky, this multirole fighter’s agility a reminder of its role in Spain’s defence since the 1980s. ALA 14’s Eurofighter Typhoon Solo Display follows, its sleek design and thunderous power embodying the cutting edge of modern air combat.
The Pilatus PC-21 from the Academia General del Aire (AGA) offers a look at the future, its advanced avionics training the next generation of pilots—including Patrulla Águila’s future stars. ALA 43’s Bombardier CL-215T and Canadair CL-415 will demonstrate their firefighting might, scooping water from the Mar Menor in a dramatic show of utility. The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper from ALA 23, an unmanned marvel, highlights the rise of drones in reconnaissance and combat. ALA 23 also brings the Northrop SF-5M, a veteran jet with a storied past as a trainer and light attacker. Rounding out the Air & Space Force’s lineup, ALA 45’s Airbus A330MRTT will flex its muscle as a refuelling and transport giant.
The Spanish Army joins with the Airbus Helicopters Tiger from Attack Helicopter Battalion 1, a sleek predator built for close air support, and the Boeing CH-47F Chinook from the 5th Transport Helicopter Battalion, a heavy-lift icon capable of moving troops and gear with ease. The Spanish Navy’s 9th Squadron presents the McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II, its vertical takeoff and landing prowess a marvel of engineering. The Guardia Civil’s Eurocopter EC135P2+ from UHEL Murcia, a workhorse for policing and rescue, adds a practical flair to the lineup.
From Greece, the Hellenic Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Zeus Demo Team will push their jet to its limits with high-speed passes and tight turns—a crowd-pleaser known for its intensity. On the civilian front, Juan Velarde, a Spanish aerobatic champion and Red Bull Air Race veteran, will fly his Zivko Edge 540 V2. This lightweight, high-performance plane lets Velarde twist and tumble through the sky with jaw-dropping agility, a testament to his skill and Spain’s civilian aviation pride.
History takes flight with a lineup of vintage aircraft. The North American Rockwell OV-10B Bronco from France’s Musée Européen de l’Aviation de Chasse – Montélimar recalls its days as a rugged observation plane. The Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk6 from Mistral Warbirds harks back to the jet age’s dawn, while the Hispano HA-220 Super Saeta from Asociación Apoyo Aeronáutica y Aviación Histórica showcases Spain’s own design heritage. The Fundación Infante de Orleans brings the Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann, Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, and North American Aviation T-6 Texan—timeless trainers with a graceful charm—joined by another T-34 Mentor from Fundació Parc Aeronàutic de Catalunya.
Not every planned participant will make it to Murcia. The Turkish Air Force’s Turkish Stars and the Indian Air Force’s HAL Tejas have withdrawn, the latter’s absence no surprise amid the India-Pakistan conflict. Closer to home, the Spanish Air & Space Force’s NHIndustries NH90TTH and CASA C212, slated for static display, won’t appear either. Yet, with such a rich lineup, these cancellations hardly dim the festival’s shine.
Festival Aéreo Aire 25 is more than an airshow—it’s a bridge between past and future, a salute to Patrulla Águila’s 40 years of excellence, and a showcase of global aviation camaraderie. From the roar of jets to the quiet beauty of historic wings, this weekend at San Javier Air Base will leave an indelible mark on all who witness it. As the C-101 takes its final bow and the PC-21 steps into the spotlight, Spain’s skies will echo with the sound of legacy and promise.
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