The Infante de Orleans Foundation (FIO) has unveiled plans for its new facilities in Getafe, with construction set to begin in 2025 and the grand opening expected in 2026. After decades of planning and several delays, including an earlier, cost-prohibitive project by renowned British architect Norman Foster, the FIO has finally found a new home. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the foundation, which had previously explored other locations such as Murcia and Ciudad Real.
The announcement was made at Airbus headquarters in Getafe, with representatives from public administrations and organizations that have contributed to making this long-anticipated move possible. The new facility will house the FIO’s remarkable collection of 48 historic aircraft, making it the third largest of its kind in Europe. The event included remarks from five key stakeholders, including Álvaro de Orleans-Borbón, honorary president of the FIO, and Carlos Lamela, head of the architectural firm responsible for designing the new complex. They highlighted the importance of the FIO’s role in preserving aviation history and emphasized Getafe’s status as a leading aeronautical hub in Europe. Lamela passed the floor to Miguel del Valle, the project architect, who provided technical details of the new facilities.
Carlos Valle, president of the FIO, expressed his gratitude for the support received from Airbus, Getafe City Council, the Community of Madrid, and the Spanish Air and Space Army, noting that the project would not have been possible without their collaboration. Valle underscored the importance of the FIO’s historical collection, which showcases the evolution of aviation—an industry that has seen unparalleled progress over the past century. Sara Hernández, the mayor of Getafe, praised the dedication and effort of Carlos Valle in bringing this project to fruition. She also highlighted Getafe’s long-standing connection to aeronautical activity, referring to it as the cradle of Spanish aviation and the third-largest aerospace complex in Europe.
Alberto Gutiérrez, a member of Airbus’ Executive Committee in Spain, hailed the project as a successful example of public-private collaboration. He emphasized that the new facility would be a significant asset to Getafe and the Community of Madrid, blending the past and future of the region’s innovative aerospace ecosystem. General Francisco Braco Carbó, Chief of the Air General Staff, also spoke at the event, noting the significance of the project for the Spanish Air and Space Army, which strives to balance tradition and modernity while promoting a culture of defense.
The New FIO Complex in Getafe
The new facility, located near the Getafe airfield and airbase, will feature a 6,000-square-meter hangar designed by Estudio Lamela. The hangar will be 220 meters long, 24 meters deep, and 10 meters high at its tallest point, with a translucent polycarbonate and metal roof. The design incorporates cable tension elements to provide structural strength, a nod to early aviation techniques.
The hangar will be divided into three sections:
– A 500-square-meter area on the south side will house offices and an event room with a large window overlooking the hangar.
– A 1,400-square-meter area on the north side will serve as a maintenance and restoration center.
– The central section, covering 3,635 square meters, will serve as the FIO museum, featuring an elevated gallery where visitors can view the FIO’s 48 aircraft.
Outside the hangar, a 4,500-square-meter platform will be used to display the aircraft on the first Sunday of each month, with ample space for public viewing. The new complex will also include visitor parking, accessible via the Carpetania business estate and the M-50 motorway. On the airside, a taxiway will connect the complex to Getafe airfield’s runways, including a secondary dirt runway for vintage aircraft.
Airbus has also committed to constructing a separate building nearby to showcase its historical heritage in Spain, commemorating CASA’s (now Airbus Spain) centenary in 2023. The entire project, with a budget of €4 million, is being funded through a series of agreements signed by the FIO, Airbus, the City of Getafe, the Spanish Air and Space Army, and the Community of Madrid. These agreements include the transfer of land from Airbus for 30 years (with the possibility of extension) and cooperation with the Air and Space Army for access to the runway and other facilities. With the foundation laid for this exciting new chapter, the FIO is set to continue its mission of preserving and promoting the rich history of aviation for future generations.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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