CASA is an aircraft manufacturer based in Spain, and a subsidiary of Airbus SE. It was founded in 1923 as Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA), and began manufacturing aircraft the following year. In 1999, it became a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) under the name EADS CASA, and in 2009 was organized into Airbus Military, before being renamed to its current name. CASA is recognized for its production of military transport aircraft, such as the CASA C-212 Aviocar, the CASA CN-235, the CASA C-295, and the CASA C-101 trainer/ground attack aircraft. As of 2023, it is the leading aerospace company in Spain by revenue.
CASA’s founder, José Ortiz-Echagüe, built the company’s first factory in Getafe in 1924, and began building Breguet aircraft under license. The company established a second factory in Cadiz in 1926 to construct a licensed copy of the German Dornier Do. J Wal seaplane. CASA also operated several branch facilities in Spain dedicated to the repair and overhaul of aircraft. In 1929, the CASA-1 flew, and King Alfonso XIII visited the main factory in 1930. CASA designed and built the French Breguet 19, including the famous Breguet XIX GR (Grand Raid) named the Jesus del Gran Poder and the Breguet XIX Super Bidon named Cuatro Vientos. In 1932, CASA obtained a license from the UK aircraft company, Vickers, to build 25 Vickers Vildebeest land-based tor.