Tráfico, the Spanish Directorate General for Traffic, is one of Eurocopter’s longest-standing customers. Rotor Journal met up with Manuel Guillén, the Surveillance Service Regional Manager, and Jesús Guardia, Tráfico’s Head of Helicopter Operations.

How would you qualify your relationship with Eurocopter over the last 35 years?
Manuel Guillén: Our relationship with Eurocopter is like a happy marriage: the relationship has always been excellent, and we have always placed the emphasis on dialogue and mutual understanding to keep both parties happy. I am convinced that this exemplary relationship will continue to flourish.

In the civil sector, Tráfico’s helicopter unit is the oldest in Spain (founded in 1964). What are Tráfico’s missions? M. G.: In the past, we performed a wide range of missions including EMS, search and rescue, providing support to the security forces, and transporting leading public figures. Today, we monitor and manage road traffic all over Spain (except in Catalonia and the Basque Country). This is the only force in the world, under the authority of the Interior Ministry, which is completely devoted to this activity.

As part of your fleet upgrade program, your helicopter unit recently accepted its final AS355 N. What are your future projects?
Jesús Guardia: We are currently looking to replace our AS350 B2 Ecureuils and EC120 B Colibris with a new single-engine aircraft with improved visibility and even greater passenger transport capabilities. The leading candidate is the EC130. We are also thinking about replacing one of our AS355 Ns over time with an EC135 for missions requiring a greater range.

What are the challenges of managing the road traffic system in Spain? How does the helicopter help you to do this?
M. G.: In Spain, as in the rest of the EU and the world, our absolute priority is to reduce the number of accidents and accident victims. Between now and 2010, our goal is a 50% reduction and no stone will be left unturned to achieve this objective. The Traffic Directorate has always considered the helicopter to be a key element of its strategy. Eurocopter helicopters offer safety of use and adaptability, two qualities that are vital to our missions, and this is why Eurocopter has earned our trust.

Tráfico’s helicopters fly all over Spain: is dissuasion the best strategy?
M. G.: We have bases in Madrid, La Corunna, Saragossa, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga; and, soon, we will have a base in the Canaries. Our presence in the sky is obviously very important in terms of dissuasion; however, our main goal is not to enforce the law but to serve our citizens.

Is there a mission that stands out for you in particular?
M. G.: Because of its capabilities, the helicopter allows us to get to inaccessible areas quicker than any other form of transport. The most rewarding missions I have been involved in professionally have been those where human lives were in danger and, every time, Eurocopter helicopters have proved to be very effective.

What do you expect from Eurocopter to help you meet the challenges of traffic management in Spain?
J. G.: The new base in the Canaries will provide a stiff challenge in terms of logistics. We hope Eurocopter will work closely with us to meet our requirements. The Helicopter Operations Service is very satisfied with the work of Eurocopter España: I don’t doubt for a second that this company will keep up its high level of excellence.