Airbus is partnering with the Spanish Air and Space Force to celebrate the centennial of the first South Atlantic crossing from Spain to South America, a remarkable achievement that continues to inspire contemporary advancements in aerospace.
On January 22, 1926, the Dornier J Wal seaplane known as Plus Ultra (Latin for “further”) took off from Palos de la Frontera, Spain, with a crew that included Commander Ramón Franco, Captain Julio Ruiz de Alda, Lieutenant Juan Manuel Durán, and Sergeant Pablo Rada. Their mission was clear: reach Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The epic journey spanned 19 days and numerous technical stops, covering a distance of 10,270 kilometers, with a total flight time nearing 60 hours. The crew utilized a combination of dead reckoning, astronomical observations, and radio direction finding—cutting-edge technology of the era. Upon landing in Buenos Aires on February 10, they had not just completed a flight; they had forged a lasting link between Europe and Latin America.
Commemorating a Century of Aviation
A century after this groundbreaking achievement, Airbus aircraft will join the Spanish Air and Space Force for a commemorative tour across South America.
On January 24, 2026, two Airbus A400M military transport aircraft will depart from Palos de la Frontera in Huelva, Spain. These aircraft will be pivotal for the mission, transporting six Airbus H120 Colibrí helicopters belonging to the Patrulla Aspa, Spain’s esteemed aerobatic team.
The Patrulla Aspa air shows are scheduled to commence on January 28 over Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Following this, the team will perform on February 1 at Punta Brava Cove (Rambla Golf Club) in Montevideo, Uruguay, and on February 4 at Aeroparque Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina, concluding the tour on February 7.
Celebrating Spanish Aviation Heritage
In addition to honoring the Plus Ultra, the tour initiates a year-long celebration marking the centenary of significant military aviation milestones in Spain, including the legendary 17,500-kilometer flight from Madrid to Manila by the Escuadrilla Elcano in April 1926.
Airbus’s Historical Connection
The Plus Ultra, a Dornier J Wal seaplane, was a revolutionary all-metal craft designed by Claudius Dornier. It belonged to a series of seaplanes procured by the Spanish Military Aeronautics, the predecessor to the current Air and Space Force. Although originally constructed in Marina di Pisa, Italy, the aircraft’s legacy is inextricably linked to Spain’s aerospace history.
Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. (CASA), which served as Airbus’s direct predecessor in Spain, manufactured these advanced seaplanes under license at its Cadiz facilities for the Spanish Air Force, the Navy, and even the Spanish Postal Airlines (LAPE). This early involvement in maritime patrol and long-range aircraft established Spain’s crucial role in the development of contemporary military aviation and aerospace engineering.
A Historic Atlantic Crossing
The 1926 crossing was anything but ordinary; it was a testament to perseverance amid numerous challenges that pushed the Dornier J Wal to its limits.
The expedition began on January 22, with the first stage culminating in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Four days later, the team moved onward to Porto Praia, Cape Verde, where a difficult decision was made: Lieutenant Durán disembarked to reduce the aircraft’s load for the arduous 2,305-kilometer stretch over the open Atlantic.
Midway across the ocean, strong headwinds severely diminished their fuel reserves, making the originally intended destination of Pernambuco, Brazil, unattainable. Demonstrating exceptional navigational skills, Commander Franco managed a successful landing on the island of Fernando de Noronha, just 354 kilometers from Brazil, with nearly empty fuel tanks.
The ordeal continued as they traversed the final 540 kilometers to Pernambuco, during which the rear engine propeller failed. In an impressive feat, the crew executed repairs while airborne. After reaching the South American continent, Durán rejoined the team for the concluding part of their journey.
The grand welcome they received in Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and Buenos Aires was remarkable, with massive crowds gathering to witness their arrival. The journey culminated in a grand parade in Buenos Aires on February 10, attended by 300,000 spectators.
A Legacy of Innovation
As the Airbus A400M retraces this historic route in 2026, it will epitomize the remarkable evolution of aviation—from the early metal seaplanes to the multifunctional military transport aircraft of the 21st century. Airbus remains committed to looking “beyond,” ensuring that the aerospace industry’s future continues to reflect the pioneering spirit of its past.
Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2026-01-23)
