AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The Aviano Passenger Terminal recently brought back the Patriot Express (PE). This service, also known as the Rotator, is a Department of Defense contracted commercial charter flight providing international support to travelers on official duty orders and their families. Along with this service, the PE also provides Space Available travel for qualifying members.
The PE service was shut off at Aviano Air Base in 2016 due to lack of passenger use. However, since the 724th Air Mobility Squadron, along with the 31st Fighter Wing, aim to improve quality of life for Airmen and their families, it has temporarily been revived.
“It was not being utilized to the fullest and it cost more to maintain than it was being used. The contract has been reinstated for a trial run to test ridership after a request was made in the Aviano community to bring it back,” explained U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Lander, 724th AMS noncommissioned officer in charge of operations flight.
With the return of the PE, comes the return of easier Permanent Change of Station (PCS) transportation, deployment movement and potential travel savings.
“For members moving to Aviano, this will ease the transition to the base as they no longer have to worry about procuring transportation from Venice. It also provides an avenue for Space-A passengers to travel to Ramstein Air Base for lower fare than commercial prices,” said Lander.
This passenger service provided by the 724th AMS will initially be available between April and September to gather information about its future at Aviano.
Lander explained, “Currently the contract will be analyzed over a six month period and if ridership does not match the expected demand, the PE will not stay. If the Aviano military community wants the PE to stay, it is important that they use the service. Essentially, it’s use it or lose it.”
For more information about the Patriot Express service, please contact the Aviano Passenger Terminal at 632-7680 (DSN), 0434-30-7680 (Commercial), or email: AvianoSpaceA@us.af.mil.
724th Air Mobility Squadron
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Closed Weekends and Holidays
DSN: 314-632-7680
Comm from Italy: 0434-30-7680
Comm from Europe: 0434-30-7680
Comm from US: 011-039-0434-30-7680