KC-767A: 40,000 flight hours reached by the Italian Air Force's 14th Wing fleet

On Wednesday 27 September, a celebratory event took place at the Pratica di Mare military airport to mark the 40,000 flight hours achieved by the Boeing KC-767A aircraft of the 14th Wing of the Italian Air Force. The ceremony was an occasion to underline and highlight the successful collaboration between the Italian Air Force and Boeing.

In recent years, the KC-767A aircraft has demonstrated its versatility and reliability in a series of significant operational missions, proving itself a pillar of military air operations. This is thanks to its capabilities in aerial refuelling, strategic transport, and the transport of patients in bio-containment, which have allowed for rapid and precise interventions in crisis and emergency situations.

Among the operations in which the asset was the main actor, it is worth remembering:

• Operation Eagle All, during the airlift from Afghanistan and Italy;
• support within NATO with strategic transport flights and air-to-air refuelling for Air Policing operations for the defence of the Eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance;
• During the COVID-19 health emergency, in response to the pandemic, over 43 bio-containment and isolation transportations were carried out, saving the lives of 383 people located in the most remote parts of the world.;
• missions for transporting medical supplies to and from abroad;
• the evacuation of hundreds of compatriots from Niger and Sudan following the political and social crises that have affected the two African countries;
• the repatriation of nationals from Israel following the current security situation caused by recent terrorist attacks.

All of this is conducted in parallel with the daily support that the Task Group Breus, redeployed at the TForce Air Kuwait, provides the operation “Inherent Resolve” where The KC-767A operates daily in Iraq, ensuring in-flight refuelling for coalition assets and logistical support for the Italian base.

The Italian Air Force and Boeing have worked in synergy to optimise the aircraft, implementing constant technological improvements that have helped consolidate its position as a benchmark, or rather as one of the most advanced in-flight refuelling systems. This anniversary of 40,000 flight hours represents a significant milestone, a symbol of reliability, efficiency, and longevity.

The ceremony was attended by Air Division General Enrico Degni, Commander of the Mobility and Support Forces Command, and Indra Duivenvoorde (Senior Director, Boeing Government Services Europe & Israeland their collaborators, as well as flight crews and specialist technicians. Colonel Luca Mazzini, Commander of the 14th Wing, after thanking everyone present for their participation, underlined: “In times of crisis and in moments of triumph, the KC-767A has become a symbol of our collective dedication to serving our nation, our allies, and our international partners. Its versatility and reliability have played a crucial role in the success of every operation, allowing us to operate even in the most challenging environments.”.

It 14th Wing It is based at the “Mario de Bernardi” Military Airport of Pratica di Mare and depends on the Command for Mobility and Support, which reports to its superior high command, the Air Squad Command.

The Wing is divided into two Flying Groups: the 71st Flying Group “Perseo”, which conducts missions of Airborne Early Warning with CAEW aircraft and radio measurement and tactical transport activities, also for the Department of Civil Protection, with P-180 Avanti I and II aircraft, and the 8th Flying Group ’Breus“ which, with KC-767A aircraft, carries out air-to-air refuelling, strategic transport and bio-containment transport missions. Thanks to the commitment and dedication shown in service to the country, in 2022 the 14th Wing was awarded the Gold Medal for Aeronautical Valour.