Breitling Jet Team

The Breitling Jet Team was Europe’s largest civilian jet aerobatic team, flying seven Aero L-39 Albatros trainers in tight formation with dramatic opposition passes and synchronized figures. Typical displays ran for 18–20 minutes and were choreographed to music and narration, showcasing precision close-formation jet flying to audiences across Europe, North America and Asia.

The team was operated by Apache Aviation from Dijon and sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Breitling. All aircraft carried smoke systems and a distinctive black/grey livery. Following the end of Breitling sponsorship in 2019, Apache Aviation placed the jets for sale; in 2024, Babcock acquired 11 airframes for its Dijon-based international fighter pilot training academy.

Type & role. Two-seat advanced jet trainer developed by Aero Vodochody. Power is provided by the Ivchenko-Progress AI-25TL turbofan. The type is widely used for training and light tactical tasks and is popular with private operators and display teams.

Performance. Top speed around ~910 km/h; typical payload capacity roughly ~1,290 kg, enabling tanks/pods for training roles. Its handling and visibility make it well-suited to formation aerobatics as flown by the team.

Team fit. The Breitling fleet used the L-39C variant fitted with smoke generators and presentation avionics suitable for display sequencing and safety communications.

Origins. Team leader Jacques Bothelin began airshow work in 1980 and built a series of sponsored teams: Patrouille Martini (SF-260), later PC-7s, then other sponsor phases (Patrouille ECCO, Patrouille Adecco, and “Les Apaches”). In 2002 Apache Aviation moved to jets as the Khalifa Jet Team, rebranding in 2003 as the Breitling Jet Team, expanding to seven L-39s and touring internationally.

2019–2024. Breitling ended sponsorship after the 2019 season and the team ceased displays. On 19 December 2024 Babcock announced it had acquired eleven of Apache Aviation’s ex-team L-39s for its new international fighter pilot training academy at a former military base in Dijon, aligning courses to NATO standards and delivered by former French Air & Space Force pilots. The sale effectively ended hopes of a future team revival.

• The Breitling Jet Team flew the largest civilian jet formation in Europe with a seven-ship L-39 routine.
• Displays typically ran 18–20 minutes with music and live narration to sync the sequence.
• Apache Aviation managed operations and maintenance from Dijon throughout the team’s jet era.
• Earlier incarnations included Patrouille Martini (SF-260) and the Khalifa Jet Team (L-39) before rebranding to Breitling.
• In 2024, 11 ex-team L-39s were purchased by Babcock for its Dijon training academy.