
Our stories | Avincis highlights its key role in managing climate emergencies during the recent storms in Valencia, Spain
The recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, or Isolated Depression at High Levels) that impacted Valencia and other regions of Spain has once again highlighted the importance of aerial resources in supporting communities during climate emergencies. This episode of torrential rains and adverse winds required a prompt and coordinated response to urgent needs such as rescue operations, medical evacuations, and essential transport.
As one of the operators of emergency aerial services for both Generalitat Valenciana and Salvamento Marítimo (Spanish Maritime Rescue Service), we played a key role in this joint response. In total, our teams logged 63.11 flight hours, performing 45 missions adapted to the demands of each moment.
To address this unprecedented challenge, we mobilised nine helicopters of three different types. The Leonardo AW139 provided SAR support; the Leonardo A109 facilitated medical emergencies and essential transport; and the Airbus AS332, typically used in firefighting, demonstrated its operational versatility in critical situations by assisting where needed.
The dedication and resilience of our teams extended well beyond the missions themselves. Reflecting on the efforts of the Valencia base and other locations, Ruben Garcia, Managing Director of Avincis Iberia, remarked, “It’s incredible how we’ve all experienced this, even those of us coordinating from afar. I personally reached out to each crew member, one by one, to check on how they were feeling after the missions and to ensure they had everything they needed from us.”
Building on this, he emphasised that the true protagonists of this story are the crews and professionals who were on the front lines, working diligently to support the response efforts. “They are the heroes of this operation,” he added.
This deployment was made possible through close coordination with key institutions, including the aforementioned Generalitat Valenciana and Salvamento Marítimo, the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, regional governments such as the Junta de Andalucía and Xunta de Galicia. Many of the resources utilised, including aircraft and specialised personnel, were provided by these institutions, underscoring the importance of a united and collaborative response in the face of adversity.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering commitment and bravery of our crews, who maintained focus and professionalism under the most challenging circumstances.
A clear example was the crew aboard the AW139 helicopter Helimer 203, led by Javier Lozano as Commander, with Rodrigo Niego as Co-pilot, Guillermo Peñuelas as Hoist and FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) Operator, and Raúl Ares as Rescuer and Searchlight Operator.
Reflecting on a particularly striking moment, the crew shared, “When we took off into complete darkness and saw hundreds of mobile phone lights signaling for help like tiny fireflies, it was a sight we won’t forget.” This mission presented a significant challenge: a night rescue in Spain, carried out in poor weather conditions and an urban environment with obstacles like cranes, antennas, and high-voltage cables.
“Coordination. Silence in the cabin,” Lozano reflected. “Rodrigo was guiding me with headings, speed, wind, and proximity to windows; Guillermo was using the infrared camera to prioritise where people were at the greatest risk. The professionalism and synergy of a crew that has flown together for 17 years were key in managing such an extreme situation.”
Among the many rescues, one was particularly memorable: a father and son stranded on the terrace of a three-story building, where the father, fearing the worst, had said goodbye to his child. Thanks to the crew’s efforts, both were safely rescued and reunited.
In total, the team saved 11 people and one dog during their operation.
Equally remarkable were the efforts of the outgoing day shift crew. Isolated at the SAR base that night, they worked tirelessly to assist evacuees brought in by helicopter. The support of the maintenance crew in the Valencia base was also key to the success and coordination of all operations.
The experience gained during this emergency allows us to reflect on the challenges faced and the lessons learned, although we hope to never see Spain impacted like this again.
Our thoughts are with those most affected and the families who lost loved ones during this tragic event.