DGT Helicopters Grounded as Operator Files for Pre-Insolvency

Eliance, the company operating the DGT's Pegasus helicopters, has notified its workforce of 230 employees about the activation of pre-insolvency proceedings trinc losses of €24 million last year. The aircraft have already ceased operations at bases in Málaga, Seville, and Santiago de Compostela.

The company Eliance, specialized in emergency flights, medical services, and firefighting, has communicated to its **230 workers** the start of pre-insolvency proceedings. The firm carries losses of **€24 million** from last year, according to the CCOO union. This situation arises after the Dirección General de Tráfico (Spain's Traffic Directorate) awarded it the modernization and operation of its Pegasus helicopter fleet.

## A €51 Million Contract That Nearly Went Unclaimed

The DGT awarded Eliance the modernization of its aircraft fleet and their operation for an amount of **€51 million**. The contract's goal was to double flight hours, increasing them from **2,700 to 5,500**. The public tender nearly went unawarded before falling to this company.

Eliance did not enter the contract with a clean track record. It had previously faced issues for breach of contract with public administrations in recent years. The company is also known for operating the helicopters for the Vuelta Ciclista (Tour of Spain) and support services for firefighting.

## Aircraft No Longer Flying From Three Bases

According to CCOO, the aircraft have stopped flying from the bases in **Málaga**, **Seville**, and **Santiago de Compostela**. This leaves much of Spain without surveillance. Additionally, helicopters based in **Madrid**, **Zaragoza**, and **Valladolid** will be integrated into the Armed Forces parade for El Pilar day, meaning they will also be non-operational during the holiday bridge. Only those based in **Valencia** remain usable.

The company had already terminated its contract with the **061** emergency service in Galicia last March due to non-compliance, yet continued operating aircraft in Santiago and Ourense. This summer, DGT helicopter flights were very scarce, although the DGT responded to inquiries by stating they were operating normally.

## Union Warning on Road Safety

CCOO has warned that the situation will severely impact road safety for the population. The union argues that it again endangers essential services for the Public Administration. It had already warned more than a year ago about the risk of awarding these services to a private company with problems with various administrations.

The combination of pre-insolvency, millions in losses, and inactive bases paints a complicated scenario for a service dependent on aircraft. Any decision regarding public contracts and essential services should be verified with the involved administrations and professionals.