“Put out the fire… and off we go!
ITE takes part in the commemoration of the 200,000 flight hours of the 43rd Group in Torrejón de Ardoz.
The 43rd Group of the Spanish Air and Space Force celebrated a historic milestone at the Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base: 200,000 flight hours dedicated to serving Spain, accumulated over more than five decades of aerial firefighting missions. This figure reflects the sacrifice, professionalism and dedication of its crews, who operate in some of the most demanding and dangerous scenarios our country faces every summer.
ITE had the honour of being one of the entities invited to the official ceremony, represented by Tomás Oliver and Silvia Oliver, members of the Defence Unit. Their presence was no coincidence: ITE took part directly in this commemoration by painting aircraft 43-20, which carries the special anniversary livery, and by designing the official logo created for the celebration.
During the event, ITE’s representatives received a commemorative plaque and enjoyed an exclusive visit to the facilities of the 43rd Group. They later attended the main institutional ceremony and the official reception, which brought together authorities, members of the Air and Space Force and partner organisations within the framework of the “Allies of the 43rd”, an initiative created to recognise and promote the vital work carried out by this unit.
Tomás Oliver, Head of the Air and Space Force Department within ITE’s Defence Unit, highlighted the emotion of taking part in such a symbolic occasion:
“For us, it is an honour to work alongside the 43rd Group. We understand what every flight, every drop and every mission represents. Their efforts save lives and protect our natural heritage. Being even a small part of this chain of value is a tremendous source of pride.”
Silvia Oliver, Deputy Director of the Air and Space Force Department, emphasised the human dimension of the tribute:
“The 43rd Group represents absolute dedication. They fly in extremely tough conditions, in high-risk situations, and under the pressure of acting at crucial moments for Spanish society. Being able to support their work through our daily efforts is a privilege that deeply moves us.”
With this commemoration, the 43rd Group not only celebrated a historic figure but also reaffirmed the essential service it provides to the country. For ITE —a company closely linked to the Defence sector and a trusted partner of Spain’s Armed Forces and Security Forces— it was a unique opportunity to recognise, first-hand, the value of those who make it possible for Spain to rely, year after year, on a team that always arrives when it is needed most.
ITE’s contribution: a technical and human effort behind the commemorative aircraft
ITE’s involvement in the 43rd Group’s celebration extended far beyond attending the official ceremony. Behind aircraft 43-20, the Canadair CL-215T that starred in the event and carries the anniversary emblem, lies more than a year of meticulous work carried out by ITE’s aeronautical maintenance team. Pedro Jesús López, a member of ITE’s painting and finishing department in Albacete, explains a complex process defined by technical precision, coordination and weeks of intensive work.
The project began in January 2024, when the aircraft entered MAESAL, the Air Maintenance Facility of the Air and Space Force in Albacete. There, a team of 18 painting and cleaning specialists carried out a complete chemical stripping, a task that lasted approximately one month. Once this phase was completed, the aircraft moved to a second hangar for its structural inspection, sheet-metal repairs and other deep maintenance checks.
After the inspection, aircraft 43-20 returned in June 2025 for the final painting phase. Pedro explains that the process began with a full cleaning, followed by sealing with PR, a critical material used to prevent water leaks. The team then applied the primer, carried out the filling and sanding, and finally added each colour layer that forms the commemorative livery.
The design of the emblem was created “based on an idea that was shared with us,” Pedro notes, highlighting the coordination between the technical team and those responsible for defining the visual identity of the anniversary. The final result not only met operational requirements but also symbolised the history and spirit of the 43rd Group.
For Pedro, the project was also a source of personal pride:
“Working on aircraft like those of the 43rd Group —knowing the vital role they play in firefighting— is incredibly fulfilling. When I see them flying, I feel that part of that is thanks to our team’s work. We have contributed our small grain of sand to keep them in the air and make their mission possible.”
As a gesture of appreciation, the 43rd Group invited Pedro to fly with them, an experience he describes as unforgettable and which has further strengthened the professional and emotional bond between the unit and the ITE team that made the commemorative livery of aircraft 43-20 possible.
Aircraft 43-20, the Canadair CL-215T