The first PC-21 training aircraft purchased by Spain from Pilate was displayed on the assembly line. The first PC-21 displayed at the Swiss-based Pilate company's factory was painted in the colours of the Spanish Air Force (Ejército del Aire/ EdA) training unit Escuela Elemental.

The agreement worth approximately US$205 million was signed in 2019, including an integrated training system for 24 PC-21s to replace Casa C101EB Aviojet aircraft.

Aviojets will retire gradually from September 2021. PC-21s are scheduled to start training in the 2021-22 range.

Cost-saving PC-21 is highly manoeuvrable at +8/ -4 g, reducing the difference between pilot training and front-line combat training.

The first six platforms and one simulator are expected to be delivered to Spain by March 2021.