King Felipe has made an important decision: to take the controls of the Pilatus PC-21, the aircraft that Princess Leonor will use during her training at the General Air Academy. The gesture, full of symbolism, took place this Saturday, June 14, in San Javier, Murcia, during the "AIRE 25" Air Festival. The monarch actively participated dressed in a flight suit, showing a personal involvement that must have moved the entire Royal Family.
With this action, Felipe VI has not only wanted to pay tribute to the new model that replaces the legendary C-101s, but also to share the path that Leonor will take. The image of the king piloting the same aircraft his daughter will use in her military training leaves a scene that connects generations, history, and commitment. What does this gesture really mean for the Royal Family and for Princess Leonor?
Felipe VI makes an important decision: to take the controls of the aircraft Leonor will use
King Felipe's gesture is not just an anecdote within an air festival. It is a symbolic declaration of support for his daughter's training, who will begin her instruction at the General Air and Space Academy on September 1.
It is no coincidence that it was precisely this model, the Pilatus PC-21, that set the agenda for the day. Nor is it a coincidence that the king's visit coincided with the farewell to the C-101s, the aircraft with which he himself trained as a pilot between 1987 and 1988.
King Felipe experienced a historic moment at the San Javier Air Base by piloting the Pilatus PC-21, an aircraft that symbolizes the modernization of the Air Force. The day, framed within the "AIRE 25" festival, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Patrulla Águila and brought together thousands of attendees who were able to witness this milestone in person.
The event began with the monarch's arrival at the facilities of the General Air and Space Academy, where he was received by high-ranking military officials and local authorities. After an institutional meeting, Felipe put on the flight suit and headed to the runway to get to know the aircraft that will shape the future of military air training.
King Felipe supervises the aircraft in which Princess Leonor will train
The most notable moment of the day came when the king boarded the PC-21 alongside Commander Guzmán, a flight instructor at the Academy. The flight, which lasted about 40 minutes, allowed the monarch to become familiar with the capabilities of the new model. According to military sources, Felipe VI showed great interest in the aircraft's technical features, especially its range, maneuverability, and advanced navigation system.
Felipe VI's flight also coincided with an emotional moment: the farewell to the C-101, popularly known as "culopollo." This model has been the symbol of the Patrulla Águila and an emblem of Spanish military training for decades. With its retirement, the Air Force begins a new era that bets on innovation and operational excellence.
The Pilatus PC-21, with state-of-the-art technology, is presented as the ideal tool to face the challenges of modern aviation. This technological transition not only improves the quality of instruction, but also marks a clear evolution in the preparation of future officers.
Beyond the flight, Felipe VI toured the festival's static exhibition, which showcased more than 30 aircraft, both military and civilian. Among them, the A400M Atlas, the Eurofighter, and the legendary F-18 stood out, along with several historic models. The king was approachable with attendees, greeting families, cadets, and onlookers who excitedly approached the monarch.
The grand finale was an air show that left those present breathless. Europe's best aerobatic teams displayed their skill in the San Javier sky, while the Patrulla Águila delivered a flawless performance that reaffirms their international prestige.
A decision that will move the entire Royal Family
The festival not only commemorated the trajectory of the Patrulla Águila, but also served to stage King Felipe's commitment to military training and the renewal of the Air Force. In addition, the monarch's presence highlighted the role the military institution plays in the development of Princess Leonor, who will begin her most demanding stage in a few weeks.
This act, beyond protocol, has been interpreted as a show of trust and pride from the king toward his daughter. With this gesture, Felipe VI once again proves that the continuity of the monarchy is also built on values such as effort, training, and personal example.
For this reason, King Felipe's decision to pilot the aircraft with which Princess Leonor will train has been interpreted as a gesture that combines symbolism, tradition, and closeness. The day in San Javier leaves a powerful image: a father who accompanies, a head of state who leads, and a Royal Family preparing for a near future.