Having completed their initial training, a new group of air traffic controllers trained at SENASA will join ENAIRE

The Secretary-General for Air and Maritime Transport, Benito Núñez, today presided over the diploma award ceremony for the 21st graduating class of students from the Initial Air Traffic Controller Training programme, held at SENASA's control training facilities. 

ENAIRE’s Director General underlined SENASA’s contribution to aeronautical training 

In his address, the Secretary-General emphasised that the newly graduated air traffic controllers will be a key part of managing Spain’s air traffic and will help to increase the country’s air traffic control capacity. “You are about to join one of the country’s most important public enterprises. This profession is defined by its high level of technical expertise. ENAIRE is a benchmark of professionalism and excellence in the field of air traffic control. I encourage you to give your best, to integrate that technical knowledge, and to contribute to that excellence”, said Benito Núñez. 

The Chairman of SENASA, Andrés Arranz, who hosted the event, congratulated the 25 new students who have successfully completed this initial phase of training as future air traffic controllers. They will soon join ENAIRE's control towers and centres across Spain to begin their on-the-job training. 

The Chairman of SENASA expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in the school by the students: 

“Today we celebrate the success of a new class of controllers who are ready to operate in complex environments that demand strong technical and psychological preparation. You already had those abilities, and at SENASA we’ve helped you make the most of them”. 

The event was also attended by David Benito, Director General of Civil Aviation, and Andrés Arranz, Chairman and CEO of SENASA, as well as the school’s instructional staff and technical team. 

The Director General of ENAIRE, Enrique Maurer, also spoke at the ceremony, offering words of encouragement and recognition for the efforts made by the future professionals: 

“Congratulations on this important step you’ve taken towards becoming part of the ENAIRE team. You will become another vital link in the value chain that keeps our sector at the forefront of safety, efficiency and sustainability”. 

The ceremony coincided with the 30th anniversary of SENASA, a key institution in the Spanish aeronautical sector and an international benchmark in the training of air traffic controllers and drone pilots. SENASA is part of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. 

In this regard, Enrique Maurer highlighted the long-standing and close collaborative relationship between the two organisations, united by the shared goal of training the best air traffic control professionals. After a demanding selection process at ENAIRE and initial training at SENASA—an Initial Training Centre certified by AESA—the students will complete their preparation at their assigned ENAIRE posts. 

“At ENAIRE, we are looking forward to welcoming you with enthusiasm and drive to face the major challenges ahead”, he said, referring to sector challenges such as the growth of air traffic, the digitalisation of services, and the internationalisation of air navigation services. 

[From left to right, Andrés Arranz, David Benito, Enrique Maurer and Benito Núñez with the 21 st class of air traffic controllers].

About SENASA 

SENASA is a state-owned company functionally linked to the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. With a multidisciplinary team of 700 professionals, it provides technical assistance to public entities in Spain's aeronautical sector in areas such as operational safety, physical security, air navigation, meteorology, airports, aeronautical easements, environmental sustainability, and more. SENASA also provides consultancy services, training for air traffic controllers, training for UAS pilots, and aircraft maintenance and operation services. 

About ENAIRE 

ENAIRE is the air navigation service provider in Spain. 

As a company of the Ministry of Sustainable Transport and Mobility, it provides air traffic control services during the en route and approach phases of all flights to and from Spain and overflights. In addition, it manages communications, navigation and surveillance services from ENAIRE in the airspace and the entire AENA airport network in Spain and provides aerodrome air traffic control services in 21 airports, including the busiest. 

ENAIRE is the fourth largest European air navigation service provider, and it is a member of international partnerships A6 Alliance, SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) Joint Undertaking, SESAR Deployment Manager, iTEC, CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation) and collaborates closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). 

ENAIRE has received the highest score in Europe on the aviation safety key performance indicator for four years in a row. It has also been awarded the EFQM 600 Seal for its safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable management of air navigation services.