NEWS 2005/3

September 2005

During the Active Lion part of the major Belgian defence exercise Active Response, the Air Component's participation was composed of fighter aircraft, transports and helicopters. This particular part of the exercise was organised in the framework of the HRF/NRF qualification (High Readiness Forces/Nato Response Force) of the Belgian Land Component and took place at the large German training area of Bergen-Hohne. Several C-130H Hercules transports were used for different types of missions including para-drops (picture); one aircraft being deployed to the nearby German base of Fassberg. Six F-16's from Kleine Brogel and Florennes operating from Beauvechain airbase executed close protection flights for the C-130's and at several occasions were called upon by FAC's (Forward Air Controllers) to perform close support missions. Eight Agusta A-109BA Hirundo (H-02 (AirEvac), H-07, H-22, H-24, H-28, H-38, H-45, H-46) as well as two Alouette II (A-68, A-69) communications helicopters of the Wing Heli were used in the field in direct support of the ground troops. To give the exercise a slight international flavour, a French Armée de l'Air C-135FR tanker supported the F-16 in their missions and a Luxembourg ground company fought alongside the Belgian troops.  Active Response was the largest exercise organised by the Belgian Defence since many years. See also the BAHA News item of September 26th-28th below on the Active Trip part of this exercise; Click here for a pic of the A109BA/UH(L)-AE or AirEvac Hirundoduring the operations at Höhn.

The N°15 Wing Tactical Transport Flight (TTF) C-130H Hercules allocated by Belgium to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since August 15th, 2004 (see also BAHA news of November 16th, 2004, February 9th and August, 4th, 2005) returned back home on September 29th. The main task of the N°15 Wing detachment (Det C-130 ISAF) at Kabul International Airport was supplying the ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in the Northern and Western part of the country. The Hercules CH-05 performed its last ISAF mission on Sunday 25th and flew back home with stops at Termez in Ouzbekistan (were some minor undercarriage problems were detected) and Baku in Azerbaïdjan.  Click here for some pictures of CH-04 at Kabul and more info in Dutch here and in French here .at www.mil.be

The Belgian government has provided a COMOPSAIR C-130H Hercules transport aircraft to the Congolese independent electoral Committee to help in the dispatch of the electoral material. Over 13 million potential voters are listed for the constitutional referendum of next November 27th. On September 28th the Belgian aircraft has transported registration kits to Bandundu. This C-130H Hercules (CH-04) is deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo since September 11th (see also BAHA News of September 2nd) in the framework of Operation "Formation Continuée des Cadres-1" (FCC-1) - of the new integrated Congolese army.

27/09 - VLM Airlines wins BBC TV intercity race against Virgin Rail

VLM Airlines wins BBC TV North West Tonight regional news programme intercity race against Virgin Rail state-of-the-art Pendolino, beating their fastest time between Manchester and London's Piccadilly by 16 minute. At 06.25 on Tuesday 27th September, BBC TV's Dave Guest boarded the 06.35 Virgin Pendolino train to London Euston at Manchester Piccadilly.  At the same moment, his colleague Jayne Barratt checked in at Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 for VLM Airlines' 07.00 flight to London City. Dave Guest arrived at Piccadilly at 09.12. while Jayne Barratt was waiting impatiently, having arrived 16 minutes earlier at 08.56.  Total journey time for Jayne with VLM Airlines (including a long taxi ride) was 2 hours 31 minutes. Virgin Rail is no longer able to claim "You Can Forget about Flying" when you're travelling between Manchester and central London! Source: http://www.flyvlm.com/emc.asp?pageId=54

27/09 - Pakistani-American businessman charged with illegally exporting military aircraft parts to Belgium

US federal prosecutors dropped charges against a Pakistani-American businessman accused of illegally exporting military jet engine parts, but filed new allegations claiming he conspired to funnel other aircraft components overseas. The suspect, Arif Ali Durrani, 56, is in federal custody in Los Angeles and was charged with illegally exporting military aircraft parts - from F-5 Tiger and T-38 Talon - to the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Belgium. Allegations include Durrani attempting to export an amplifier for the J-85 engine to Malaysia in December 2004, and attempting to sell an afterburner actuator for the same engine to Belgium in January 2005.

27/09 - Major-General Gerard Van Caelenberge will be the next COMOPSAIR Commander.

26>28/09 - Beauvechain airbase hosts the participants of the Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise Active Trip. (UPDATED)

From Monday 26th through Wednesday 28th of September Beauvechain airbase will host the participants of Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise Active Trip. Four C-130H Hercules transport aircraft of N°15 Wing/Tactical Transport Flight (TTF) (CH-01, CH-07, CH-08, CH-11) and six F-16 fighters of N°2 (FA-57, FA-84, FA-89) and 10 'FA-77, FA-123, FA-124) Wings will be deployed on the Brabant's airbase. Source: http://www.mil.be/aircomp/

25/09 - Fokker D.VIII replica of the Stampe & Vertongen Museum is back in the air.

Fokker D.VIII (N111EV), the US build-replica of the Stampe & Vertongen Museum has flown for the first time since its restoration by the SV-museum's technical staff (see also BAHA News of November 11th, 2004). Danny Cabooter performed the test flight and found the aircraft fit for flying. The fighter is now in the colours of the Lt. Albert Van Cotthem Fokker n°17 military racer as it azppeared at  Wilrijk in 1920. Pictures: http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?regsearch=N111EV  Source: www.a-s-a.be

25/09 - Former Belgian Air Force F-104G Starfighter FX-45 turned up as a gate guard at a car salvage yard at Bruinisse (Zeeland, The Netherlands)

Former Belgian Air Force F-104G Starfighter FX-45 - stored in fake KLu markings D-8030 by PS Aero near Baarlo (NL) since several years (see also BAHA News of March 4th, 2005)- was sold and turned up as a gate guard of a car salvage yard in Bruinisse (Zeeland, the Netherlands). On the following location of the excellent Scramble website you can find a picture of the aircraft at its new location. Source: Scamble  

22/09 - A book by Belgian aviation enthusiast Marc Deboeck on the Fw 190D announced

JAPO Publishing announces the imminent release of an interesting book by Marc Deboeck on the Fw 190D called "Focke-Wulf Fw 190D camouflage & markings Part I". Follow this link for more information. The Focke-Wulf Fw 190D was one of the most elegant and powerful birds of prey in the European skies at the end of WW II. Similar in conception to Messerschmitt Bf 109K, camouflage & marking this new work provides a thorough insight in the aircraft camouflage and marking schemes. Part I explains the common rules used for camouflaging and marking of the type, and describes in great detail the various colour patterns applied to the different Focke-Wulf built Fw 190D-9 and D-11 production batches. The book is fully documented with extracts from original documents, black & white, and colour photographs, as well as colour schemes and colour profiles. It is completed with a comprehensive loss list of the entire Focke-Wulf production. Highly recommended for all students of WW II aerial warfare, Fw 190 freaks, and modellers.  Hardback, 208 pages, approx. 240 photographs, numerous colour schemes, and camouflage profiles of 32 aircraft. English text.

21/09 - Emirates preselected Liège Airport as Belgian base for its future Airbus A380 freight activities.

Emirates Sky Cargo (link: http://www.skycargo.com/default.asp), subsidiary of the Dubai based Emirates Group, has put Liège-Bierset Airport on a short list of four European airports that could become a base for its future Airbus A380 freight activities. But even if a contract is signed with Emirates, none of its giant A380s will visit Liège airport before 2008, when the cargo version of the A380 reaches the market. Technically, Liège has the right installations for the A380 freighter, which has been designed to land on runways capable of accepting the Boeing 747 freighter. But some additional work might be necessary. Ten new parking spots, among which two dedicated for the new A380, will be made available from October 2005. Nonetheless the programmed extension of the runway (+413 m) could be delayed for political problems. Furthermore Liège Airport is also a candidate for Airbus A380 test flights.  Sources in "La Libre" here and here

21/09 - Two SN Brussels Airlines Avro RJ-100 airliners as logo jets for new Asterix & Obelix strip album.

SN Brussels Airlines has decorated the front fuselage two of its Avro RJ-100 (OO-DWE & OO-DWH) airliners with the cartoon heroes Asterix and Obelix created by Uderzo and Goscinny (see also BAHA News of August 18th, 2005). On OO-DWH (picture link), Asterix is hunting Roman soldiers, whereas on OO-DWE Obelix (picture link) is hunting wild boar. The two aircraft were unveiled at Zaventem/Brussels airport on September 21st by Albert Uderzo, the mayor of Brussels, Freddy Thielemans, and the Commercial Vice-President Benelux of SN Brussels Airlines, Etienne De Nil. These unusual decorations are part of the marketing campaign in connection with the  soon to be published 33rd album " "Le ciel lui tombe sur la tête/Het geheime wapen" relating the adventures of the two Gallic warriors. Source in "La Libre" here.  Follow this link to the Sierra Bravo Aero Pics site for a special feature on this event.

20/09 - VLM Airlines offers daily return flights between Antwerp and Jersey.

Starting 3 October 2005, VLM Airlines is offering a new and handy daily return flight between Antwerp and Jersey - tourist and financial paradise - via London City. Source: http://www.flyvlm.com/emc.asp?pageId=544

19/09 - Resignation of SN Brussels Airlines Management Committee Chairman Rob Kuijpers.

SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) Management Committee Chairman Rob Kuijpers has resigned with immediate effect. The Chief Executive Officer of SNBA, Peter Davies, should follow Kuijpers in his resignation very soon. Since mid-August the relations between main shareholder SN Airholding and most particularly its Chairman, Etienne Davignon, and the company executives are ill-defined. Rob Kuijpers attributed his decision to resign to differences of opinion with the board on several issues, including the future strategy for the two Brussels-based carriers entitled "Never change a winning team". The combination earlier this year of low-fare Virgin Express and full-service SN Brussels under common ownership has created unease on several levels. There are no names yet for their successors. Sources: www.luchtzak.be and two articles in "La Libre" here & here.

19/09 - Two Belgians perish as their Robin DR-250 sheds wing and crashed near Galway, Ireland.

An investigation is underway into the cause of a plane crash near Oranmore on Monday 19th September in which two middle-aged Belgian men were killed. The investigation will focus on the weather conditions at the time of the accident and the airworthiness of the aircraft. One of the airplane¹s wings was found some distance from the main wreckage leading investigators to suspect that the wing had separated from the aircraft before the crash occurred. The single engine Robin DR-250 came down at lunchtime on Monday on a cricket field pitch in Lydican, Oranmore shortly after departing from Carnmore Galway Airport towards Saint-Ghislain (EBSG) airfield. Source: http://www.galwayindependent.com/news/4824.html

18/09 - Troublesome Boeing 767-300 OO-TUC of TUI Belgium stranded at Goose Bay, Canada.

Boeing B767 OO-TUC "Discover" (c/n 24844) of TUI Airlines Belgium landed in emergency with 252 passengers at Goose Bay military airbase (Canada) on September 18th. Obtained from Brazilian airlines Varig (ex PP-VOL) in late 2004, this fifteen years old airliner is a notoriously troublesome (see BAHA News of February 9th, 2005). The recurrent technical problems of this airliner are presented by the Belgian tour operator company PRO, Hans Vanhaelemeesch, as "annoying". Photo links: http://bahacivil.fotopic.net/p12296614.html or http://www.airliners.net/open.file/778484/L/.  Sources: Two articles in "Het Nieuwsbad"; here and here.

18/09 - Belgium finally might participate in the Neuron European UCAV demonstrator project.

Dassault has announced a regain of interest by Belgian in the Neuron European Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator project. The negotiations are reported going on since early August at the initiative of the Belgian Ministry of Economy. The Belgian participation was initially cancelled on April 2005 (see also BAHA News of March 31st), due to a lack of sharing agreement between the regions of the Belgian federal state. The Neuron is designed to be a platform for evaluation of future UCAV cutting-edge technology like advanced avionics, autonomy, stealth technology and adaptation to network based defence solutions. Six nations (France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden & Switzerland) will participate at this Dassault Aviation-led programme.

17/09 - PL-77 is the newest Belgian Air Cadets Grob G.102 Astir CS Jeans glider.

On September 17th, 2005, the Belgian Air Cadets have accepted yet another second-hand glider: Grob G.102 Astir CS Jeans PL-77 (c/n 2074). The aircraft was bought at Almere in the Netherlands and was previously registered PH-903 (1989-2005) and D-7587 (1978-1989). The Astir CS Jeans type is progressively replacing the Schleicher K8B in the single seat training role (see also BAHA News of May, 16th, 2005). Two G.102 Astir CS Jeans were purchased last year (PL-74 and PL-75) and two more this year (PL-76 and PL-77). Link to BAC fleetlist.

15/09 - Farewell to the Alpha Jet, European Trainers Meet and Spotters' Day at Beauvechain Airbase

The 1st Wing of Beauvechain has organised for the second time a European Trainers Meet (ETM) on September 15th. The meet coincided with the departure of all the Belgian Alpha Jet 1B trainers to their new home at Cazaux in France (see BAHA News of March 3rd, 2005) and brought together over 60 European trainer aircraft coming from nine foreign European countries. In the framework of the international gathering a Spotters' Day attracted about 700 aviation enthusiasts who admired and photographed the participants’ aircraft in action from close quarters. The Alpha Jet 1B+ AT-27 has a specially decorated tail to commemorate the event while a similarly decorated SIAI SF-20M Marchetti ST-35 commemorated the 35th anniversary of this aircraft in Belgian service. Follow this link to the special photo feature on this event.

12/09 - Spacebel has won a further series of contracts in the framework of the Pleiades programme

Spacebel, the Liège based European leader in the field of Space I.T., has won a further series of major contracts in the framework of the Pleiades programme - Based upon two imaging satellites, the Pleiades programme is part of the Earth Observation policy of the French Space Agency CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. Total turnover of these new developments represents about 3.5 million Euros. SPACEBEL started to work on the Pleiades project in 2004. This first contract related to the design of the satellite¹s on-board software, intended for the control of both the platform and its scientific payloads. Source: http://www.spacebel.be/scripts/NewsDetail.cfm?id=91&language=en 

09/09 - Four Air Component pilots graduated at the Ecole d'Aviation de Transport of Avord, France

On September 9th, four Belgian pilots of the first French-Belgian promotion of the École d'Aviation de Transport (EAT 00.319) of Avord received from COMOPSAIR Chief of Staff, General Major Michel Audrit, their transport pilot certificate. In accordance to the French-Belgian pilot training agreement of April 2004 and depending on their background, the Belgian transport trainees spend 21 weeks (for those having a previous experience on F-16 or A109BA helicopters - as it was the case with the four pilots of the promotion) or 42 weeks (for the newly licensed pilots) in BA702 of Avord near Bourges in France. The flying aspect of this formation is performed on the EAT's 1er Escadron d'Instruction en Vol (EIV) twin-turboprop aircraft Embraer EMB-121 Xingu - Picture link here and see also BAHA News of March 7th and April 12th, 2005). Source: Armée de l'Air site.

09/09 > 11/09 - A Belgian military Airbus transports British troops to the United States

The 15 Transport Wing Liaison & Long Haul Flight (LLHF) Airbus A310 CA-01 has supported the deployment of British troops to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) of Fort Polk in Louisiana, the US Army's premier training center for light infantry and special operations units, on September 9th. This mission was organized by the European Airlift Center (EAC) of Eindhoven in the framework of the mutualisation of the European military transport assets. Despite some wrong press and internet reports the unusual presence of the Belgian military Airbus on the apron of Alexandria International Airport was not linked to the hurricane Katrina disaster relief operations.

09/09 - 1st Squadron pilot killed in F-16AM crash in the Waddenzee (Nl.)

Thirty-four year old 1st Squadron pilot, Commandant Fabrice Massaux, was killed in the crash of his F-16AM (reported as FA-112) in the Waddenzee (Netherlands) on September 9th, 2005 at 10h55 local. He was the n°3 of a four ship formation practising strafe runs over the Cornfield/Vliehors shooting range when his aircraft disappeared suddenly from the radar scopes. Three SAR helicopters and several ships took part in the search for the missing pilot. A Coast Guard helicopter sighted wreckage some 5 km off shore of the island of Texel. Later, a Belgian Air Component spokesman confirmed the death of the pilot. The cause of this dramatic crash is under investigation. Our thoughts go to the family and friends of the Commandant Massaux. Click here for a picture of the unfortunate pilot taken last July at Florennes airbase.

08/09 – A Russian 9 man military delegation inspects Belgian Defence

A Russian military delegation arrived in Belgium this week in the framework of the CFE-agreements (Conventional Forces in Europe). This agreement foresees unannounced inspections on the territory of the counties which signed the agreement (NATO-members and the ex-Eastern block countries) in order to verify if the members comply with the commitments stipulated in these CFE-agreements. The inspection has to be announced a minimum of 36 hours before arrival in the concerned country. The Russian delegation will inspect the 2/4 Regiment Jagers te Paard and Florennes airbase. According to Lt. Colonel Dominique Pauwels of the Belgian Verification Agency (BEVA) the visit took place in a very warm and understanding manner with the Russians returning home with the knowledge that Belgium is fully complying to its CFE commitments. Source: Belgian Defence  

08/09 - Former Light Aviation BN-2 Islander B-11 erected as  gate guard at Bierset airbase  

On September 8th, the former Light Aviation (LtAvn) Fairey Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander B-11/OT-ALK (Photo link) was displayed on poles as a gate guardian in the northern side of Bierset air base, alongside SE.313B Alouette II A-34/OT-ABA (Photo link) Source: E-BAHA Forum

08/09 - Liège-Bierset airport main runway renovation works completed

Liège-Bierset airport main runway in depth renovation and resurfacing works are completed (See also BAHA News of August 1st, 2005). Financed by the SOWAER (Société Wallonne des Aéroports) this long term investment is of vital importance to air traffic safety. Source: http://www.liegeairport.com/airport/html/frset.htm

08/09 VOLCANEX 2005 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) exercise at Florennes Airbase UPDATED

The general concept of VOLCANEX 05/CSAR is a Force Integration Training of the core elements of a Multi National CSAR Task Force in a low-to-medium threat environment. These core elements consist of Rescue Vehicles, Extraction Forces, Attached RESCORT, Detached RESCORT and pilots in the role of Survivor. National Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructors support the event through all phases. Since this year’s training event is set up without any support/integration of other EAG areas, it consists purely of Live Flying Events. All Academics and participants briefings were conducted during a workshop as part of the Main Planning Conference in Florennes Air Base (Belgium). Assets involved:   6 Belgian F-16AM’s, 3 Belgian Agusta A109BA’s, 5 French Armée de Terre Gazelles & Puma, 3 KLu AH-64DN Apaches, 2 French Armée de l'Air SA-330 Puma’s, 1 French new EC-725 Resco Cougar and 2 Luftwaffe UH-1D Huey’s. The exercise takes place at Florennes Air Base (Belgium) from 08 to15 September 2005. (Source: http://www.euroairgroup.org/index.htm) See also BAHA news item of 08/04/2005 and BAHA special feature on VOLCANEX 2003 here. 

07/09 - Liège-Bierset airport welcomes the Italian cargo operator Ocean Airlines.

The new Italian cargo operator Ocean Airlines (link: http://www.oceanairlines.com/?Intro=skip) has chosen Liège-Bierset airport as European relay platform for its flight coming from Shangai-Pudong (China). The first flight was made on September 6th. In a first phase Ocean Airlines cargo aircraft will come once a week to Liege-Bierset, but a twice a week service is already expected. The flights will be operated with Boeing B747-200 freighter. Source: http://www.liegeairport.com/airport/html/frset.htm

07/09 - Agusta A109BA Hirundo H-08 arrives at the Royal Army Museum at Brussels

After serving faithfully for eleven years with the Light Aviation of the Belgian Army (now Wing Heli of the Air Component), Agusta A-109BA H-08 has finally been transported to the Royal Army Museum at Brussels where it will be on placed on public viewing completing the Army Light Aviation line up of aircraft. H-08 retired from active duty in 2003 to be stored at the Zutendaal facility. Recently the helicopter was transferred to Bierset airbase to be prepared for static display at the museum. Click here for a picture of the aircraft arriving at the Royal Army Museum.

07/09 - The European Union considers an airline blacklist

European Union experts have underlined the need for a Europe-wide blacklist of unsafe airlines after a recent spate of fatal crashes. France and Belgium recently introduced blacklists of banned airlines, following Britain and Switzerland which already have such lists along with the United States. In a Commission statement it was reported that the European Union needs common criteria to identify unsafe airlines. Such airlines would be put on a European black list and be subject to an EU-wide ban to fly. The Commission hopes for a political agreement on the common criteria, the EU black list, and the EU-wide ban by the end of the year.

07/09 – Belgian Federal Police only wants to accompany expelled foreigners aboard SN Brussels Airlines

The Belgian Federal Police only want to accompany expelled foreigners aboard aircraft of SN Brussels Airlines according to the police union organisation NSPV. This radical statement was the result of an incident with the pilot of a Congolese airline on which an expelled lady had to take place.

06/09 - Demolition of one of the huge old Gilfian hangars at Koksijde airbase.

On Tuesday 6th September, one day after the departure of the last participants of the Koksijde 2005 airshow, demolition of one of the vintage and disused Gilfilan hangar was started at the Southern part of the base (See BAHA news of February 25th, 2005). Quoted as D21, this hangar was build in the early fifties for the Fighter School aircraft and once upon a time was the main helicopter hangar of n° 40 Squadron. Structural damage to the reinforced concrete structure of this hangar lead to its definitive closure for safety reasons in the late eighties. The demolition works should be completed within the next 6 weeks. Source and pictures are available in the SGK Forum "Toekomst Basis Koksijde": http://users.pandora.be/SGKoksijde/forum.htm

05/09 – Belgian Ryanair-passengers had to return by rented bus from Carcasonne (France)

Due to bad weather, a Ryanair flight from the Southern French city of Carcasonne to Charleroi had to be cancelled. Because no flights of the Irish low-budget company were available, some 50 passengers decided to rent a bus to return to Belgium. Ryanair will reimburse the price of the tickets but this is no real solution to the passengers as the ticket doesn’t cover the rent of the bus.

05/09 – Three hundred jobs lost at Sonaca, Gosselies.

02/09 - A 15th Wing C-130H will be deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo until mid-December

The Belgian federal government has approved a 54 days deployment (from mid-September until mid-December) of a 15 Wing Tactical Transport Flight (TTF) C-130H Hercules and its crew of nine, for a total of 340 flying hours, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This aircraft and its crew will support the "Formation Continuée des Cadres" (FCC) of the new integrated Congolese Army that is to be organized at Kinshasa and Kamina.

02/09 - Belgian Government approves NATO E-3A AWACS new Infra-Red Counter Measures programme

The Belgian government has approved the signature by the MoD of the third amendment to the multilateral agreement concerning the NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Mid-Term Modernization Programme. This amendment describes the 17 NAEW&C E-3A aircraft new Infra-Red Counter Measures (IRCM) system.

31/08 - Direct flight to link Sofia, Brussels from the 1st of September

Belgium company SN Brussels Airlines launches direct flights Brussels - Sofia as of September 1, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported. The company will provide flights between the two capital cities three times a week, using RJ Avro airplanes. The flights are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Direct flights throughout the rest of the week will also be provided in the framework of the partnership between SN Brussels airlines and Bulgarian company "Bulgaria Air".  Source Luchtzak.be

31/08 – Is Virgin Express moving to Charleroi?

Low budget airline Virgin Express is studying the possibility of moving away from Zaventem to settle at Charleroi airport according to the French speaking business paper “l’Echo”. A study has been ordered by Etienne Davignon, President of the SN Airholding (SN Air) to examine the feasibility of this project. If this move takes form, it would be from 2007 onward when Charleroi airport has doubled its operational capability. .... However, Virgin Express spokesman Yves Panneels denied every intention of the company to move. To be continued…

30/08 - 1,000,000th passenger on VLM Airline’s Rotterdam - London City route

29/08 – Nine cargo airlines “black”-listed in Belgium

Nine cargo airlines have been banned from the Belgian skies by the “black” list of Minister of Mobility Renaat Landuyt. The following companies have been affected: Africa Lines (Central African Republic), Air Memphis (Egypt), Air Van Airlines (Armenia), Central Air Express (Democratic Republic of Congo), I.C.T.T.P.W. (Libya), International Air Tours Limited (Nigeria), Johnsons Air Limited (Ghana), Silverback Cargo Freighters (Rwanda) en South Airlines (Ukraine).  All these airlines have been “black” listed as a result of the discovery of major problems during inspection or because they were involved in accidents. By the end of 2005 or early 2006 the EU will publish a list of all banned companies by member state. Follow this link for the official text of Belgian “black list: http://www.mobilit.fgov.be/data/aero/foaipen.pdf

28/08 - TNT- leased Boeing 737 aborts take-off from Corfu after bird-strike.

A Boeing 737 Spanish company Hola Airlines leased by Belgian Airline TNT had to abort its take-off from the Greek island of Corfu after one of the engines was severely damaged by a bird strike. All 149 passengers were safe and could continue their journey with another TNT aircraft

26/08 - Eurostar's new partnership with SN Brussels Airlines

Eurostar, operator of the high speed train links between Belgium, France and the U.K., and SN Brussels Airlines have signed a partnership agreement allowing the Eurostar Frequent Traveller Program and Privilege of SNBA to be working together. Eurostar passengers will be able to exchange their points for Privilege miles and vv.  Source: Luchtzak.be

25/08 - Zaventem: Runway 02/20 back in service

Zaventem's runway 02/20 which was temporarily closed for works is operational again. Final works on the ILS (Instrument Landing System) are expected to be concluded by the end of September but in the mean time 02/20 can be used for visual approaches and take-off.

25/08 - Charleroi airport operator BSCA owes nothing to the Ministry of Finance.

Charleroi airport operator BSCA has been exonerated from a EUR5.82 million tax that a Belgian tax collector wanted to impose after the European Commission ruled that some aid granted to Ryanair was illegal. The regional tax director now said that Charleroi was entitled to give that aid and should not be taxed on it. Source: http://www.luchtzak.be/

24/08 - Defence Minister Flahaut visits Belgian detachments in Boznia-Herzegovina and Kosovo

Belgian Defence Minister André Flahaut has visited the Belgian EUFOR "Operation Althea" detachment at Tuzla airbase in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the KFOR "Belukos 19" detachment at the "Belvedère" (Camp Maréchal Leclerc) at Mitrovica in Kosovo. The Minister was particularly interested in the Belgian UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) detachment of the 80th UAV Squadron, which deployed to Tuzla from 24 Jun 2005 with 6 B-Hunter UAV and some 53 men to operate the systems. (see also BAHA news item of 09/07). The main tasks of the UAV unit consists of flying reconnaissance and surveillance missions and also (as this is a new weapon system in the Belgian Defence inventory) continuing training to reach a "limited combat ready status" for all crews involved. The current deployment mandate runs up to November 2005. Notwithstanding some problems related to adapting the system to a new environment (co-sharing a very busy airbase) the unit already flew some 136.24 operational hours over its assigned operating regions in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Click here for a picture of an operational UAV at Tuzla airbase. More in a “BAHA Special Feature” soon.     

24/08 - The Belgian Defence Sea King Squadron had a very eventful coastal summer-season

With the coastal summer season drawing to an end, N° 40 Search & Rescue Squadron made up the balance of what was a very eventful holiday period. By mid-August, the four Sea King helicopters of the unit had been called upon on 52 occasions saving no less than 17 lives. Unfortunately this also means that a new record on annual basis is expected. The last couple of years the number of interventions stabilised at around 100 with some 50 persons saved annually. This of course more than justifies the impressive organisation put in place at Koksijde airbase. Every day of the year some two Sea King helicopters are on stand-by to take-off within 15 minutes. During night time this is only slightly reduced to one helicopters and the possibility to have a second one in the air within an hour. The Sea King has a crew of six comprising: pilot, co-pilot, mechanic, radar-operator, diver and medic. This service towards the population is very expensive to maintain but incredible efficient and continuingly proves to be more than necessary.  Source: http://www.dhnet.be/index.phtml?content=http://www.dhnet.be/dhinfos/index.phtml  

23/08 – 30 Years N° 40 Squadron

Defence Minister Flahaut and Chief of Defence General Van Daele have paid a visit to N° 40 Squadron in the framework of the 30th Anniversary of this unit which is specialised in Search and Rescue missions. Since 1976, N° 40 Squadron operates 5 Sea King helicopters mainly for rescue operations along the Belgian coast.  After 28 years and almost 10.000 flying hours for each aircraft these helicopters are in urgent need of replacement. Minister Flahaut declared that the projected replacement helicopters should fit into the new package of tasks of the Belgian Defence and should therefore be a real multi-purpose machine having many capabilities in common with other EU-partners and be able operate from frigate type of ships. Besides this the helicopter should be capable to transport small Special Forces units and perform medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) The political file on the future Belgian Defence helicopter will be tabled by the end of the year and after approval should give way to a tender for 10 helicopters. Click here for a picture

23/08 - Zaventem: passengers growth figures driven by charter flights.

Nearly 1.8 million passengers used the Brussels/Zaventem Airport in July 2005, an increase of 3.9 % compared to July 2004. Charter passenger numbers increased by 12.3%. This growth is driven by a strong performance in both intra-EU and extra-EU charter traffic as a result of enhanced offer provided by the tour operators, in particular to Turkey and Egypt. The number of passengers on extra-EU scheduled flights was 10.3% higher than in July 2004, driven by higher load factors and more flights. Passenger figures on intra-EU scheduled flights were 3.1% lower due to a reduction in capacity. The cargo volume transported in July 2005 amounted to 58,885 tons, an increase of 4.3 % compared to July of last year.  The number of movements (takeoffs and landings) remained stable compared to July 2004, totalling to 22,535 (+0.2%).  Source: http://www.biac.be/news/

23/08 - VLM Airlines increases frequency between Antwerp and London City

From Monday 3rd October 2005, VLM Airlines will add an extra rotation to the Antwerp-London City route, bringing the total number of flights to 6 daily return flights. VLM Airlines has been operating this route since May 1993 and over the past 12 years it has seen a steady increase in the number of regular passengers as it has proved to be the fastest connection between Antwerp and London. The extra flight will depart in Antwerp at 08.25, arriving in London City at 08.30, allowing passengers who work in the city to be in the office before their English colleagues.  The return flight will depart out of London City at 18h50, and arrive in Antwerp at 20h50. Source: http://www.flyvlm.com/emc.asp?pageId=540 

22/08 - 349 Squadron deployed for training at Monte Real air base (Portugal)

The 349 (F) Squadron deployed to Portugal at Monte Real air base between August 22nd and September 2nd, 2005. Monte Real is situated about 130 km to the north of Lisbon, close to the Atlantic Ocean. The most important objectives of this deployment were to complete pilot skills in an unrestricted environment as well as training with the first updated Portuguese F16¹s. Most of the working areas were situated above the ocean which gave the pilots a minimum of restrictions (no noise restrictions, chaff and flares allowed, ...). A total of six Belgian F16¹s took part in a wide variety of missions like sweep, escorting slow movers, close air support to ground troops, time sensitive targeting. Source: http://www.349fightersquadron.be/

22/08 - World War II aircraft bomb discovered during works at the Antwerp ring.

Workers of the "Regie der Wegen" which is responsible for the maintenance of the road network, have discovered a World War 2 vintage aircraft bomb during an inspection of the Antwerp ring soft shoulders near Berchem. As the bomb was still armed, the mine clearance service DOVO had to remove the weapon and detonate it at a safe area near the Konijnenwei at the Bolivarplaats. Source: http://www.hln.be/hln/cch/det/art_114043.html

22/08 - Two more former Belgian Air Cadets gliders on the Belgian civil register.

Two former Belgian Air Cadet gliders have recently been added to the Belgian Civil aircraft register: They are Grob G 102 Standard Astir III c/n 5564 (ex-PL72) which was sold on 8 May last and which was registered as OO-YTV (CofR 5492) on 22/6/2005. The second glider is Centrair C 101A Pégase c/n 10100344 (ex- PL73) which was also sold on 8 May and became OO-YLY (CofR 5482) on 31/5/2005. Source L. Wittemans

21/08 - Belgian and Polish Air Force General killed in aircraft crash in Poland.

Forty-four year old General, Jacek Bartoszcze, the chief of Poland's air force and his 48 year old Belgian friend, Karel Peeraerz were performing aerobatics when their plane, a twin-seat RV-6, crashed in a rural area of eastern Lublin province at Nadrybie.  U.S.-trained Bartoszcze, who was promoted to general only last week, was an energetic advocate of modernizing Poland's air force in line with NATO standards.

18/08 - Former Belgian Air Force Merlin CF-04 has been transformed into a luxury private aircraft.

Former Belgian Air Force Swearingen Merlin CF-04 was registered F-GZJM to SARL Strasbourg Aviation, Aerodrome, 67500 Hagenau. On the same day it was sold to SA Lixxbail, 1-3 rue du Passeur de Boulogne, F92861 Issy-les-Moulineaux Cedex 9, who acts a leasing company for the operator SARL Air Mana, 33 route de Beaune, F21220 Gevrey Chambertin. CF04 has been fitted out with a luxury new interior. For those interested in some pictures, go to http://www.airmana.com and http://www.airmana.com/bientot.htm. See also BAHA News of 15/01 and 11/04.

18/08 - Para-commandos training at St-Hubert offer "aeromobile" Champaign for Defence Minister Flahaut's 50th anniversary.

Two parachutists of the 2nd Battalion Commandos of Flawine jumped from an Agusta A-109BA helicopter to bring two bottles of Champaign for the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Defence Minister Flahaut. The Minister was on visit at St. Hubert airfield to see the battalion exercise “non-combatants evacuation operations" of the type the Belgian Defence had to perform regularly in Africa since 1960.

18/06 - Special Asterix logo jets for SN Brussels Airlines in September.

SN Brussels Airlines will dress two of its planes with the colours of the cartoon created by Uderzo and Goscinny. The first Asterix flight will take off on 25 September. Source: Luchtzak.be

18/08 - Belgian Defence's UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to patrol the Belgian coastal waters.

Before the end of the year Belgian Defence UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) will patrol over the North Sea. Defence Minister Flahaut declared in the newspaper Le Soir that these flight will augment the 50 or so manned control missions planned by the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (MUMM). The UAV's will also be used to control other illegal practices on the North Sea such as drug traffic and transport of illegal immigrants. Before this can materialise, the 80 UAV Squadron, actually on deployment at Tuzla (Bosnia) should be back in Belgium.

18/08 - Belgian Defence SIAI Marchetti SF.260M initial trainers to receive cockpit/avionics upgrade

On 17 June 2005, Siai Marchetti SF.260M, ST-17 was flown to Vinegone (Aermacchi plant in Italy) for a minor avionics upgrade which should be ready by next November. This aircraft will then serve as prototype to modify all remaining older SF.260M’s (Mike) which will be executed in Belgium.

17/08 - Exceptional landing procedures at Zaventem airport

Due to strong Easterly winds and repair works on the main "landing" runway aircraft bound for Zaventem-Brussels airport have to follow a very exceptional procedure. They have to land on runway 07 which had only occurred ten times in the last 16 years.

16/08 - Barco to deliver avionics displays and Control Display Units for the Ilyushin 114-100 airliner

Visualization specialist Barco has achieved a new success in the civil aviation market. The company announced it has won a contract from Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to supply avionics displays and Control Display Units for 10 new Ilyushin 114-100 civil aircraft. The new IL-114-100 airliner, which is built by the Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation, will incorporate an advanced avionics solution, including 5 Multi-Function Displays and 2 Control Display Units. The Uzbek manufacturer opted for Barco¹s full electronic flight instruments system, combining MFD-6.8/1 Multi-Function Displays and Control Display Units, because of its proven performance and reliability under all conditions. Another decisive factor was the company¹s ability to provide first-line service and support, close to the customer, from its regional service center in Zhukovsky, Russia.  The MFD-6.8/1 units that were selected for this project are smart displays with 6" x 8" screens. Aboard the IL-114-100, the units will perform as Navigation Displays, Primary Flight Displays, Warning Displays and System Multifunction Displays. All software applications will be integrated by the Institute of Aircraft Equipment, NIIAO.  Barco¹s Control Display Units feature a color 3" x 4" Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display and are designed with cold wall cooling, which results in high reliability and a low life cycle cost, even in harsh operating environments. Certification of the first prototype of the new Il-114-100 aircraft is supposed to be finished by the end of this year. The Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation has already received orders for the first 10 aircraft. Source: BARCO

16 - 17/08 - Three 15th Wing Lockheed C-130H Hercules transports deployed to Congo

On 16 and 17 August three Belgian Defence C-130H transport aircraft left Melsbroek airbase near Brussels for Congo in order to assist the new Belgian military cooperation. Defence Minister Flahaut also examines the possibility to use one of these aircraft to fly humanitarian missions to famine struck Niger from the Republique Démocratique du Congo (RDC).

15/08 - Belgian C-130H evacuated wounded Spanish military personnel in Afghanistan

On August 16th at 11h30 local, 17 Spanish soldiers were killed and 5 others injured in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. The Spanish military personnel was deployed to the city of Hérat (in Western Afghanistan) in the framework of ISAF (International Security and Assistance Force) when their AS532 Cougar helicopter crashed for undetermined reasons. The Belgian C-130H Hercules transport aircraft on station at Kabul was dispatched to Hérat to evacuate the wounded soldiers.

15/08 - Thomas Cook Belgium to organise charter flights to Phuket (Thailand)

Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium, founded in 2002 and based at Zaventem/Brussels Airport, and low-cost carrier Condor Flugdienst plan to operate flights to Phuket between November and April next year. Europe will return to Phuket again this winter, thanks to Thomas Cook AG and tour operator Neckermann Reizen's joint promotion of Phuket to the European market.  Source: The Phuket Gazette

14/08 - New G-103 Twin Astir II glider PL-94 for the Belgian Air Cadets

A Grob G103 Twin Astir II has been added to the Belgian Air Cadets fleet.  Twin Astir II PL-94 c/n 3734 was acquired at Hengsen in Germany and taken on charge by the Cadets on 26/06/2005. Click here for a picture. On 6 August, Glaser-Dirks DG-300 Elan, PL32 suffered serious damage to a wing at Romorantin (F). The glider will be repaired in the coming weeks.

13 > 15/08 - URSEL: Wings and Wheels 2005

The former NATO airbase of Ursel has hosted the fourth "Wings and Wheels" meeting between 13 and 15 August. To commemorate the end of the Second World War the whole area was returned 60 years in the past, with numerous military vehicles (jeeps, trucks, tanks....) re-enactment groups and of course vintage aircraft. Some aeronautical highlights were a French Dassault Flamant twin engined communications aircraft, a Morane-Saulnier MS.505 Criquet, the French version of the Luftwaffe Fiesler Storch and a Dutch Supermarine Spitfire fighter and a DHC-2 Beaver. On this page of the very interesting Westwings site you can find a lot of pictures of the event. For a log of the participating aircraft follow this link to e-baha.

13/08 - Very successful "Oltimers Fly-In" at Schaffen-Diest.

The 21st annual Oldtimer Fly-In organised by the Diest Aero Club at the Schaffen-Diest airfield was a huge success. The event which has become a major European air-meet was blessed with some beautiful weather (essential for such type of event due to the fragility of the old aircraft) and brought together no less then 220 flying visitors. Click here for a list of the participating aircraft and pilots.

12/08 - Brussels based handling company Aviapartner signs contract with Continental Airlines

Zaventem-based handling company Aviapartner signed a 2.2 million euro 5-year contract with Continental Airlines to supply onboard catering. The new agreement starting from 1 January 2006 is the result of a tender launched by the US airline. Continental Airlines operates a daily Brussels-Newark flight with a Boeing 767-400. On daily basis Aviapartner prepares 80 different menus for 30 airlines, in total 2.5 million meals per year. Source: Luchtzak.be

12/08 - Red Cross dispatches second aircraft with humanitarian help to Niger from Oostende airport

A second aircraft chartered by the Red Cross and loaded with humanitarian goods has left Oostende airport for the Niger capital Niamey. The aircraft carried some 57 tonnes of food and two cholera-kits. It is the second flight organised by the German Red-Cross with destination the famine stricken Sahel region. Next week two more flights to the region are planned from Berlin.  

12/08 - VLM reduces Jersey flights from 3 to 1 a day.

Following an extensive review of the Jersey-London City operation, VLM Airlines will reduce the frequency on this route from 3 to a single rotation per day, effective as from October 1st 2005.
The Jersey to London City route was started on 30 June 2004, just over a year ago and since then, much effort has been made to make this route profitable. VLM did make some progress, however there is a fierce competition between British Airways and Flybe on the same route which has been driving down prices continuously, including during the summer peak period. As a result, despite the high load factors and forward bookings, VLM has been unable to make a profit on the route and have suffered significant losses. Source: Luchtzak.be

12/08 - Zaventem airport suffers from British strike.

12/08 - F-16 spare parts issued from Rocourt dismantling process put up for sale.

Belgian Defence is putting up for sale a certain amount of surplus F-16 equipment  which is the result of the dismantling process carried out at the Rocourt barracks (see our Special Feature here). Potential buyers have to proof their activities in the defence industry domain and the sale is still subject to approval from the US Department of State. See also BAHA news of 13/01/05 and 21/06/05.

11/08 - Ukraine Air Force "Open Skies" mission over the Benelux.

In the framework of the "Open Skies" treaty signed in 1992 by 33 countries, an Antonov An.30B reconnaissance aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force will make for the first time a photographic inspection overflight of the Benelux. Taking off form Melsbroek airbase at 10h30L the aircraft equipped with 30cm resolution cameras will over fly Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg in a 943 km long flight lasting 2hours 40 minutes. Upon completions of its mission the Russian build aircraft will land at the Dutch base of Volkel to have its films processed. Besides the crew of 8 some ten Benelux "Open Skies" observers are participating in this flight which is accomplished in complete openness and thrust between the partners involved as leader of the Benelux team, Lieutenant-Colonel Marcel Verstraeten (KLu) puts it. Recently the Benelux also flew some missions over Russia and Ukraine. Click here for a picture of the An.30B at Melsbroek and here for a pic at take-off from Volkel.

10/08 - Ryanair is ready to expand at Charleroi if the cost base remains unchanged

Ryanair is ready to expand at Charleroi if the cost base remains unchanged, in other words if the costs do not go up, according to Ryanair Benelux sales director David Gering. Ryanair is currently re-negotiating a contract with the Walloon region and Charleroi airport. A European directive compels airlines to pay full handling costs when the airport handles more than 2 million passengers per year, which would mean additional costs for Ryanair. A new agreement must thus be negotiated with BSCA, the airport operator. Ryanair is developing everywhere in Europe, except Charleroi. If the costs do not increase, it would base one or two additional planes in Charleroi, said David Gering. There is potential for new routes to Northern and Eastern Europe, France, Spain and Portugal, he said. Source: Luchtzak Aviation

09/08 - Old provisional control tower at Zaventem/Brussels airport not for sale after all

The old provisional control tower of Zaventem airport will not be sold after all.  This tower which after the extension of the number of gates helped the main tower to "see" some blind corners of the airport became unnecessary when the brand new control tower near Steenokkerzeel became operational.  Originally, Belgocontrol (owner of the tower) intended to put the structure and its equipment up for sale, but after an in depth study this now seems uneconomical so the "for sale" sign has been removed and the tower will simply be scrapped.

09/08 - SN Brussels Airlines Avro RJ85 forced to return to Zaventem/Brussels airport after bird strike.

An Avro RJ85 of SN Brussels Airlines with 68 passengers aboard had taken off from Zaventem/Brussels airport with destination Venice when it was forced to return after number 4 engine ingested a bird and had to be shut down. Although the RJ85 is perfectly capable to fly on three engines the aircraft's Captain decided to return to Brussels to avoid any unnecessary risks. After a textbook landing the passengers were able to continue their journey aboard another aircraft.

06/08 - New book on the Belgian Air Force Armed T-6 Harvard missions in Congo available.

A new book written in French by Daniel Brackx & Jean-Pierre Sonck  called "L'appui-feu de Baka" has been released by Editions De Krijger. The 100 page publication gives a detail view of the history of the units flying the armed North American T-6 4KA's Harvards of the Belgian Air Force during the very tormented months after the independence of Belgian's ex-colony Congo. Illustrated with very rare pictures this book highlights the almost forgotten operational actions of a handful of brave and very skilled pilots of the Belgian Air Force.  The book can be obtained in all specialised bookshops or by making a deposit of €15 + €1.80 (Belgium), or + €5 (Rest of the World) P.P. on account 001-0799131-24 of Daniel Brackx - Molenveld, 74 - B1982 Elewijt/Belgium with the mention "Flight Appui Feu".

05/08 - TUI Airlines to start Chambery (F.) winter charters.

"TUI Airlines Belgium will operate seasonal winter service from Brussels to Chambery in France from December 24th 2005 through April 15th 2006. The airline will fly a Saturday flight using the Fokker 100."  Source: Luchtzak Aviation

04/08 - VLM Airlines introduces fuel surcharge on tickets

The Antwerpen-Deurne based company VLM Airlines will introduce a fuel surcharge of € 5.00 per passenger on all tickets issued on or after August 5th, 2005. Up to now VLM has been one of the few airlines which had not introduced a fuel surcharge. The company fuel-efficient fleet of Fokker 50 aircraft has allowed it to absorb the increases in fuel prices, but with oil prices now peaking above 60.00 USD a barrel, VLM Airlines can no longer avoid the introduction of a surcharge.

04/08 - MUMM Islander environmental control missions over North Sea postponed until late September.

Facing unexpected technical problems with the two former Air Component BN-2 Islanders, B-02/OT-ALB and B-09/OT-ALI, the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (MUMM) has postponed the resumption of its environmental control missions over Belgian coastal waters until late September. The two recently handed over BN-2 Islander are on inspection and repairs in the Britten Norman factory of Bembridge since June last. (see news of: February 20th, April 1st & July 12th). Since 1991, MUMM has been monitoring from the air the Belgian coastal waters in the framework of the Bonn Agreement for through its BELMEC team (BELgian Marine Environmental Control). More: http://www.mumm.ac.be/EN/Monitoring/Aircraft/index.php 

04/08 - Belgian ISAF Air Task Force Commander passes command to a Polish colleague

From Thursday 4th August Polish Brigadier-General Piotr Lusna takes over command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Air Task Force from Belgian Brigadier-General Dany van Laethem. Commander of the Interim Deployable Combined Air Operations Centre (IDCAOC) Detachment 2 of Ramstein, General van Laethem started his Kabul posting of six months on last February. The ISAF Air Task Force is composed of a half dozen of tactical transport aircraft (incl. a Belgian C-130 Hercules - see news of August 4th), some helicopters as well as a Dutch-Belgian detachment of eight F-16AMs combat aircraft. NATO took over command and coordination of ISAF in August 2003. ISAF’s role is to assist the Government in Afghanistan and the international community in maintaining security within the force’s area of operations. ISAF supports the Afghan Transitional Authority in expanding its authority to the rest of the country, and in providing a safe and secure environment conducive to free and fair elections, the spread of the rule of law, and the reconstruction of the country.

04/08 - Deployment of a 15 Wing C-130H Hercules in Afghanistan extended until late September

At the request of NATO, the Minister of Defence, M. André Flahaut, has decided to extend the deployment of an Air Component C-130H Hercules at Kabul International Airport (Operational since 15 August 2004 - see news of February 9th, 2005 and November 16th, 2004) until the general elections of September 18th, 2005. The Tactical Transport Flight (ex 20 Sqn) detachment in Afghanistan - composed of 15 people and one C-130H Hercules - is an important element of the tactical transport means allocated to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by Belgium, Portugal, Canada and even Sweden. The main task of the detachment is supplying the ISAF Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in the Northern and Western part of the country. Link to Dirk Geerts’ special report about M. Flahaut visit to Afghanistan of late July.

03/08 - SN Brussels Airlines and Israel's El Al sign code-sharing agreement

SN Brussels Airlines and Israeli flag carrier El Al have signed a code-sharing agreement taking effect from October 2nd this year. Through this agreement the two companies will offer their clients nine weekly flights between Brussels/Zaventem and Tel Aviv/Ben Gurion airports.

02/08 - Body found in undercarriage compartment of Royal Air Maroc 747 at Brussels-Zaventem airport

On August 2nd, at about 17h40 local, the body of a dead man was found at Zaventem airport in the undercarriage compartment of a Royal Air Maroc (RAM) Boeing 747 coming from Casablanca. The Federal Police detectives are trying to identify the body of what is believed to be an immigrant attempting to stowaway by clinging on to the undercarriage of Europe-bound airliners. Source: Het Belang van Limburg.

01/08 - Liège-Bierset Airport runway out of service for six weeks

Between August 1st and September 11th, the Liège-Bierset airport main runway will be out of service for in depth renovation and extension works. Financed by the SOWAER (Société Wallonne des Aéroports) this € 10 million long term investment is of vital importance to air traffic safety. In a second phase (programmed between June and December 2007) the runway length will be extended from 3287 to 3700 meters in order to accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 versions as well as the new Airbus A380. Current works will continue non-stop, day and night, including week ends, to reduce the duration as much as possible. Source: http://www.regions.be/Rubriques/Liege/page_5584_354465.shtml

01/08 - Wreck of former Rijkswacht/Gendarmerie Cessna G-03 in storage at Beauvechain airbase.

The remains of Cessna 182 Skylane G-03/OT-GIC were recently observed next to the Aviation Recovery hangar in Beauvechain airbase. This particular aircraft with c/n 67850 overturned on September 22nd, 1994 at Melsbroek airbase while taxiing behind a Dutch C-130H Hercules (G-273) on engine test, its crew of four being slightly injured. The first G-03 was replaced by another Cessna 182R G-03 (c/n 67742) in November 1997. This second Cessna G-03 crashed on January 10th, 2003 at Melsbroek killing its crew of two. G-03 is really a "cursed" registration number with the Rijkswacht/Gendarmerie, now Federal Police Air Support Service. The first aircraft that wore this serial was a SA.330 Puma helicopter which was also lost in an accident on December 15th, 1993 at Lyon-Bron (France). Source and pics:  http://scramble.ykoon.nl/viewtopic.php?t=15632

01/08 - F-16 suffered a nose wheel collapse at Kleine Brogel

Several homepages have reported that F-16AM, FA-83 (an aircraft presented as one of the first M3 upgraded F-16MLU of N°10 Wing) suffered a nose wheel collapse on the taxiway of its home base of Kleine Brogel on Monday 1st August. Contrary to what was reported on these sites, the Belgian F-16's were not grounded. Flights continued as usual but a close inspection and scanning of the nose wheels of several other aircraft was executed.  

29/07 - Strong first half 2005 performance for Brussels-Zaventem airport

Brussels International Airport Company (BIAC) closed the first 6 months of 2005 with a 25.2% increase in profits compared to the prior corresponding period. Consolidated revenues were € 151,8 million for the period, a growth of 6 %, driven by increased passenger and cargo volumes as well as the indexation of the aeronautical tariffs adjustment from April 1st (not fool!). Revenue per passenger is now € 20.13 (1.2% more than in 2004). Source: http://www.biac.be/press/

28/07 - SN Brussels Airlines Airbus A319 performing touch and go's at Beauvechain airbase.

On July 28th, SN Brussels Airlines Airbus A319-112 OO-SSM (c/n 1388) came over the Beauvechain military airbase in the late afternoon for some VFR training. This unusual visitor performed a total of no less than 12 touch and go. Source and picture link: http://www.luchtzak.be/postt12556.html

26/07 - Thomas Cook airlines new Airbus logojet for 175 years Belgium

Thomas Cook Airlines is celebrating the 175 years of independence of Belgium with a new logojet. One of the Company's newest Airbus A320-214, OO-TCM "Explore" (c/n 420), is wearing extra '175 - Belgium' titles on the fuselage and a Belgian flag on the tail instead of the usual logo. Picture links: on www.Flugzeugbilder.de and on the forum of www.westwings.be.

26/07 - The Base Aérienne 132 at Colmar might become the European Airbus A400M training Center UPDATED

At the occasion of the transfer of the Mirage F-1B and CT of the disbanding EC 3/33 "Lorraine" (the Armée de l'Air Mirage F1 Operational Conversion Unit) from Reims to Colmar, the French authorities have disclosed their project for this southern Alsace air base. From 2010-2012 onwards, after the withdrawal of the last operational F-1s of the EC 30, the BA132 of Colmar-Meyenheim might become the home of a multinational Airbus Military A400M flying and technical training centre. Five of the current European partners in the A400M tactical transport aircraft programme (Belgium, France, Germany, Luxemburg & United Kingdom) have already expressed their interest in the project. For improving Belgium's force projection capability, the Belgian Air Component is to replace its ageing fleet of eleven C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft with seven Airbus Military A400M from 2014-2015 onwards.

25/07 - DHL flights from Zaventem divided by five after 2008

DHL Belgium, the subsidiary of the German parcel and express operations company, has disclosed that the number of its flights from Zaventem Airport would be divided by five after 2008, the year of the move of its Brussels logistics Hub for Europe to Leipzig (East of Germany). At that time a total of about six flights a night would be performed from Zaventem. DHL handles currently 1,000 tonnes of freight every day, on 30 flights. There are presently 2,700 workers at the Brussels base of DHL. This number would shrink to 1,000 workers for 300 to 400 tonnes in 2008. Source.

25/07 - SNBA and Ethiad Airways launch flights between Brussels-Toronto and Abu Dhabi

From October 31st, 2005, Brussels will be connected three times a week to Toronto (Canada) and Abu Dhabi (UAE), thanks to a partnership concluded between SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) and Etihad Airways, the national company of the United Arab Emirates. Three direct flights will be weekly operated between the airport of Brussels National and these two cities. The flights will be operated with Airbus A330-200 of Etihad. Source

25/07 - A busy day with no less than five scrambles for the SAR Seakings of N° 40 Squadron

With no less than five scrambles Monday 25 of July was reported a challenging day for the on duty crews of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Seaking helicopters of 40 Squadron.
 - The first one concerned a Boeing 737 (with 109 passengers) that eventually landed at Zaventem with serious hydraulic problems. - The second was the air evacuation to the Veurne hospital of a hand wounded fisherman of the trawler Optima. Thanks to Tom Houquet of the SGK some pictures of the RS-01 landing at Veurne  are available:   link.
 - the third was the search and rescue of the five occupants of a capsized catamaran off De Haan;
 - the fourth at 19.30 local was the search and rescue of a in distress kite surfer off Blankenberge;
 - the fifth was a air evacuation to Sint Jan Brugge hospital of a crewman of "Loodsboot 1" having a heart attack.   Source: Het Nieuwsblad.   

23/07 - Temporary fuel shortage hampers first Air Component missions over Afghanistan.

Following the visit of the Minister of Defence, M. André Flahaut, to the Belgian forces deployed to Afghanistan several newspapers (incl. Le Soir) reported that the first missions of the Belgian F-16s, participating operation Eastern Eagle from Kabul International Airport (see news of July 6th and 12th and report, were hampered by a temporary fuel shortage. The needed fuel having been blocked by the custom services at the Pakistan-Afghan border. Some pictures of these aircraft ferry flight as well as from the first F-16s missions can be found in the N°1 Squadron official homepage

22 > 24/07 - Defence Minister Flahaut visits troops in Afghanistan

Belgian Defence Minster André Flahaut has visited Belgian troops operating in the framework of the NATO peace keeping force “ISAF” at Kundus and Kabul in Afghanistan between 22 and 24 July 2005. .Click here for a special feature on this event.

22/07 - Althea III: 17 Sqn MRH took over from 18 Sqn MRH Althea helicopter detachment at Tuzla. UPDATED

On July 22nd a 17 Squadron MRH detachment took over from the 18 Squadron MRH at Tuzla/Eagle base in north-eastern Bosnia. This detachment will remain in Bosnia until late October 2005 in the framework of operation Althea III. Taking advantage of good weather conditions the Wing Heli has also organised a rotation of three out of the four A109BA Hirundo's of the BE Det Heli in Tuzla. Between July 18th and 29th the H-07, H-39 and H-44 returned in flight to Bierset and were replaced by the H-01, H-23 and H-43. Composed of about 50 people and four A109BA (H-01, H-04, H-23, H-43) the BE Det Heli is the main Belgian contribution to the European peace force (Eufor) in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  They were joined at Tuzla by an 80 Squadron UAV (277 + 5 v/c) detachment on June last (see news of June 22nd).  Photo Link.

21/07 - Belgian Independence Day traditional fly pass.

Organised in the framework of the 175th anniversary of the Belgian Independence (obtained from the Netherlands in 1830), this year traditional July 21st military parade and fly pass was rather large (see list here below), reflecting the slowly but surely European military integration with three Dutch F-16s - A Dutch-Belgian F-16 detachment is operating from Kabul airport since July 14th link and three French Alpha Jet Es of the French-Belgian AJeTs of Tours - where all the Belgian future military pilots are trained since early 2005. Click here for some in flight pictures.

Noted that day: 

1 x glider Belgian Air Cadets (on trailer)

6 x Alpha Jet 1B+ 1 Wing (AT-03, AT-17, At-21, AT-23, AT-28, AT-321, AT-32 + meteo flight in the morning AT-29)

3 x SA.318C Alouette II  - Wing Heli (A-47, A-66, A-69 + one spare A-68)

2 x SA.316B Alouette III - Navy Flt. (M-1/ M-2)

6 x A109BA Hirundo - Wing Heli (H-02, H-30, H-37, H-38, H-40, H-46 + two spares H-41 & H-42 + camera ship H-27)

3 x Seaking Mk.48 - 40 Sqn (RS-01, RS-02, RS-04)

3 x C-130H Hercules - 15 Wing  (CH-02, CH-04, CH-09 + one spare CH-11)

2 x ERJ-135 - 15 Wing (CE-01, CE-02)

6 x SF.260M/D Marchetti - 1 Wing (6 + 2 spares: ST-02, ST-12, ST-15, ST-34, ST-41, ST-43, ST-44, ST-46)

4 x CM170R Fouga Magister - 1 Wing (MT-13, MT-26, MT-40, MT-48 + spare: MT-04)

3 x Alpha Jet E (Tours - Armée de l'Air: 3 a/c + 1 spare: 314-LI, 314-LJ, 314-TJ, 314-TO operated from Beauvechain with some Belgian pilots)

9 x F-16 Fighting Falcon - 2 Wing (9 a/c + 1 spare: FA-89, FA-91, FA-101, FA-107, FA-108, FA109, FA-115, FA-117, FB-20 & FB-21)

3 x F-16 Fighting Falcon (Leeuwarden - KLu: )

9 x F-16 Fighting Falcon - 10 Wing (9 a/c + 2 spares: FA-68, FA-70, FA-94, FA-97, FA-100, FA-118, FA-136, FB-02, FB-04, FB-10 & FB-24)

1 x Airbus A310 - 15 Wing CA-02

21/07 - The Government approved the purchase of €1.2 billion of new military equipment

The Council of Ministers approved the purchase of new military equipments for no less than € 1,2 billion:
 —   620 lightweight 4x4 Light Armoured Tactical Vehicle (LATV) as replacement for the Iltis jeep;
 —  242 Armored Infantry Vehicle (AIF) as replacement for the Leopard tanks and AIFV as well as M-113 infantry vehicles;

—     Observation equipment for 45 armored Pandur Vehicles comprising high-technology sensors and a   battlefield management system (BMS); 

—      Finally, the government has decided to open negotiations with the Netherlands for the acquisition of two second-hand multipurpose M-frigates, which will replace the frigates now in service, Wielingen and Westdiep.

 Furthermore the Council of Ministers also agreed on the next investment planning programme including in 2006 a invite to tender for 10 support helicopters (see news of June 19th). The main contender for this market being definitely the NH-Industries NH-90. More details: here.

19/07 - DACT training: Air Component F-16 versus RAF Typhoon T.1/1A over the North Sea.

At the initiative of the Operations & Evaluation Center - Section Kleine-Brogel (OEC), two pilots of N°10 Wing F-16 OCU based at Kleine Brogel deployed on July 19^th for one day and with one aircraft (FB-10) to RAF Coningsby (Lincolnshire) for the very first confrontation with the new frontline fighter of the Royal Air Force: the Eurofighter Typhoon T1/1A of the 29 (R) Sqn or Typhoon OCU. Some challenging DACT schemes (1 versus 1 aircraft) were performed by these top fighter pilots and instructors over a North Sea dedicated training area. Photo link here and here

18/07 > 21/07 - Operational Integration Exercise and 7th International Spotters' Day at Kleine Brogel

Some 55 combat aircraft and 250 aircrews participated between Monday 18 and Thursday 21July in an exercise organised by the 10th Tactical Wing based at Kleine Brogel.  During this "Operational Integration Exercise" all aspects of modern air operations are being tested out in flight. Taking advantage of the presence of such a large number of foreign military aircraft, the base also organised the 7th International Kleine Brogel Spotters' Day on Wednesday 20 July 2005. Spotters were able to witness operational flying and turnaround of the aircraft participating in the exercise from very close quarters which differentiate a Spotters' Day from an International Airshow. Besides the exercise's participants many rare aircraft of a certain vintage participated in the static show such as Romanian MiG 21 Lancers and Greek A-7 Corsair II's or a rare Polish Su-22.  Almost 4.000 visitors came to this yearly event, the profits of which go to the Fonavibel Fund, which helps victims of Belgian Military Aviations and their relatives. Click here for some pictures

18/07 - Kleine Brogel airbase is sixty - another decorated F-16AM: FA-134

On 15 December 1944 the 16th Airfield Construction Group of the RAF started building what was to be known as "Base 89 - Petit Broghel". The gigantic construction project was finished in a mere three months and almost immediately (in March 1945) the new base was occupied by two Canadian Wings; N°s 127 (composed of 403, 416, 421 and 443 Squadrons) and 39 Wing (400, 414, and 430 Squadrons) RCAF.  To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the creation of Klein Brogel airbase, the 10th Wing has decorated Lockheed F-16Am FA-134 with special tail markings. Click here for pictures

17/07 - The Sabena Flight Academy proposes to start an aviation academy at Nagpur (India)

The Sabena Flight Academy (SFA) is reported as having agreed in principle to start its full fledged operations in Nagpur (India), including imparting training to pilots, cabin crew and other staff. A team of SFA officials will visit Nagpur soon and inspect the existing facilities and infrastructure before finalising the project. Initially, the company will impart simulator training to pilots and cabin crew, he said, adding the trainee-pilots will be flown to Belgium later for practical training and awarded CPL after stipulated flying hours. Source.

15/07 - Belgian spaceman Frank De Winne is to train for a further ISS mission

Famous Belgian spaceman and Air Component pilot, M. Frank De Winne, is to re-train from next Autumn onward aiming at an eventual participation to a further International Space Station (ISS) mission. Member of the European Space Agency spaceman corps, M. De Winne has already participated in an ISS mission between October 30th and November 10th, 2002. On that occasion he joined the ISS aboard a Soyuz TM-A rocket from Baikonur (also known as Tyuratam) Cosmodrome in Kazakstan.

15/07 - Belgian Alain Verwilghen appointed as General Manager of Air France Belux

The Belgian, Alain Verwilghen has been appointed as General Manager of Air France Belgium-Luxemburg (Belux) as of July 1st. This 57 years old lawyer joined Air France in October 1999 after a 20 years career at Sabena where he was representative in various European and African countries. Since July 2003 he was based in Istanbul as Air France Regional Director for Turkey and Bulgaria.

15/07 - Annual Belgian Air Force C-130 Hercules crash remembrance service at Eindhoven.

As every year, a remembrance service was held at Eindhoven air base on the evening of July 15th in memory of the victims of the Hercules crash on July 15th, 1996. On that day a The Belgian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules CH-06 crashed on landing after a massive bird strike at the air base in the province of North Brabant. Thirty-four people lost their lives in this tragedy. In addition to the crew, members of the Royal Netherlands Army Fanfare Band were involved. Only seven people survived this disaster. Source: http://www.luchtmacht.nl/main/actueel/nieuws/2005/juli/20050715_herdenking_herculesramp.html

15/07 - Six young graduated pilots received their Belgian Wings at Beauvechain airbase.

Six young graduated pilots, four from the AJetS of Tours-Saint Symphorien (see news of July 6th) and two from the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJPT) at Sheppard AFB (Texas) - received their Belgian pilot's wings at Beauvechain air base on July 15th. A special feature on this event will soon be available on this website.

14/07 - First rehearsal for the 21st of July air parade provokes stress to some Brussels inhabitants.

The first rehearsal of the annual July 21st/Independance Day air parade (see news of July 21st) has provoked stress to some Brussels inhabitants who called the emergency services. On July 14th, the rather unusual as sudden appearance at low level over Brussels of an Air Component Airbus immediately followed by F-16 fighters obviously reminded some people the New-York nine-eleven terrorist attacks. Specialists call this a PTSD or a Post Traumatic Syndrome Disease.

14/07 - Belgian Alpha Jets and F-16s participate at the Bastille Day fly pass over Paris.

Three Air Component Alpha Jets and two F-16s participated the traditional Bastille Day fly pass over Paris on July 14th. The Belgian F-16s were presented along with a French C-135FR tanker plane and some other European Air Group (EAG) assets like Spanish F-1s and British Jaguars. For their parts the Belgian Alpha Jet 1B - of the Alpha Jet School (AJetS) of Cazaux - were displayed in the framework of the new bilateral French-Belgian cooperation programme in the field of jet pilots training (see news of July 6th).

13/07 - Fatal crash of a Dimona H-36 near Saint Hubert airfield.

A side-by side motor glider Diamond Dimona H-36 (registered in France: F-CGAK) made a fatal crash in an open field between Saint-Hubert and le Fourneau Saint-Michel on July 13th killing its two Belgian pilots (J.-M. Laloux and F. Van Hamme). It is reported that a pilot error might be the cause of the crash (stall). Photo link.

13/07 - SN Brussels Airlines made a profit of € 7.7 million over the first quarter of 2005

The newspaper De Tijd has reported that SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) has made a net profit of € 7.7 million in the first quarter of 2005. This is also reported as a result from the low value of the US $. The turnover increased by 10% to € 199.6 million.

12/07 - From 01/08 onward, a MUMM Islander will resume pollution control missions over the North Sea.

Following the agreements between federal Ministers Marc Verwilghen (Scientific Policy) and André Flahaut (Defence) (see news of June 10th), the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (MUMM) has taken over two of the recently withdrawn Air Component BN2A-21 Islanders: B-02/OT-ALB and B-09/OT-ALI. The two aircraft were ferried for inspection and repairs to the Bembridge (Isle of Wight) Britten Norman factory on June 21st. The first one should be back in Belgium at the end of July as the MUMM has already announced that it will resume pollution control flights with its Islander along the Belgian coast from August 1st onward. The two Islanders will be operated with Belgian civil registrations, maintained by a civil company but flown by Air Component pilots from a still undetermined home base (Brasschaat until its closure in 2006 and later Oostende or Koksijde?). In the meantime the School of Light Aviation of Brasschaat keeps the Islanders B-01/OT-ALA and B-08/OT-ALH airworthy to maintain its fixed-wing pilots BN2A-21 Islander qualification.

12/07 - Belgian F-16AMs eventually arrived at Kabul

Six F-16AMs from N° 2 Wing departed for Afghanistan from the Florennes air base in the framework of Operation Eastern Eagle on July 6th. The first stop was Akinci air base in Turkey near Ankara from where four of the six fighters were then scheduled to travel onwards to Afghanistan, but their departure from Turkey was delayed due to technical problems with the Dutch supporting KDC-10 tanker plane (see news of July 6th and special report here). The problem was solved five days later, thanks to a French Armée de l'Air C-135FR of GRV 93 so that the four Belgian fighters eventually landed at Kabul International Airport on July 12th at 18h00 local (in sand dust and scorcher! 40°C) after a five hours ferry-flight over the Black Sea, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The four aircraft (FA-98, FA-116, FA-121, and FA-125) were formally handed over to the ISAF command at a ceremony on Thursday 14^th July and will remain in Afghanistan for six months. International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) Air Force Commander, Belgian Brigadier-General Dany Van Laethem, said the aircraft would help boost security for the September elections. The jets could quickly reach the farthest sweeps of Afghanistan. Link to pictures taken at the arrival of the aircraft at Kabul.

11 > 15/07 - N° 350 (F) Squadron has organised the TDPU 2005

N° 350 (F) Squadron based at Florennes air base organised between July 11th and 15th a multinational exercise based on data exchange: the Tactical Discussion and Procedures Update 2005 or TDPU 2005. Several NATO countries and one - ever neutral - partner country, Switzerland, have participated in this exercise, specially set up for aircraft equipped with the Link 16 system that enables real time, jam-resistant and secure transfer of data between dispersed battle elements such as AWACS, ground control station and fighters. N° 350 (F) squadron has hosted Danish, Dutch and Norwegian Mid-Life Updated (MLU) F-16AM/BMs equipped with on board Software system M3 and M4 (see news of July 5th), NATO AWACS aircraft but also other fighters not equipped with the Link 16 system such as the Swiss F-18 Hornet and French Mirage 2000 and Super Etendard. In the framework of the TDPU 2005, N° 350 (F) Sqn has also organised successful spotters day on July 14th despite last minute cancellation of several announced participants. Spotters were allowed to position themselves along the taxi track and the runway during taxi, take-offs and landings and to walk along the static display aircraft. Link to our special photo-feature.

09/07 - First operational mission flights for 80 Squadron B-Hunter UAVs over Bosnia. 

On July 9th, at 07H42 AM and after having received the clearance of the local US air controllers, the 80 Squadron UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) detachment in Bosnia has carried out its first test flight from Tuzla air base - with B-Hunter n°277. This flight was immediately followed by the first operational mission ever performed by a Belgian UAV. From July 11th, a B-Hunter was engaged in EUFOR operation "Watchful Eyes" or the monitoring and the control of the ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre. This was an essential out of sight but not over the horizon mission to assist the Local Authorities in the event of any incident beyond their resources (see news of July 5th).

08/07 - Sabena Technics acquisition contract signed by TAT Industries.

By signing on July 8th the acquisition contract in Brussels, the trustees of Sabena S.A. and the French Group TAT Industries have finalized the acquisition of Sabena Technics by TAT Industries. This contract confirms the terms written in the Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 16th and announced during Le Bourget Air Salon (see news of July 16th). An extraordinary shareholders meeting of Sabena Technics has been gathered the same day, following the signature of the final contract, chaired by Mr. Alain Corbel, President of TAT industries. Mr. Christophe Bernardini, General Manager of TAT Industries has been assigned as President of the Board of Directors and as Managing Director of Sabena Technics. Source:  http://www.sabenatechnics.com/Html/News/Frame_pressreleases.htm 

8 > 10/07 - The Air Component participated at the Defence Days at Zeebrugge Naval Base.

Despite the cancellation of the Oostende International Naval Parade of July 8th, due to bad weather conditions (see news of July 8th), His Majesty King Albert II visit at the Zeebrugge Naval base, on July 8th, as well as the Defence Days of July 9th and 10th proved to be very successful, attracting no less than 85.000 visitors. During these three days several units of the Air Component presented their aircraft and material on the ground as in the air. Were noted:

Flypass over Zeebrugge July 08th
6x Alpha Jet B: AT-?  1 Wing
2x SA.316B Alouette III: M-1/OT-ZPA + M-2/OT-ZPB Navy Flt
3x +1 SA.318C Alouette II: A-50, A-66, A-68, A-69 incl. spare a/c
3x +1 A109BA Hirundo: H-06 (UH(L)-AE), H-26 (AH(L)-Rockets), H-38 (AH(L)-TOW2A), H-42 (AH(L)-TOW2A) incl. spare a/c  Wing Heli
2x Seaking: RS-01 & RS-02 40 Sqn
3x F-16: FA-?
Belgian Defence days Zeebrugge on July 09th and 10th
Static
SA.316B         M-1/OT-ZPA  Navy Flt
A109BA          H-02 (UH(L)-AE) Wing Heli
SH14D           281  MARHELI/Kon.Marine
A109BA          H-16  Air Component travelling Exhibit
F-16A            FA-05 Air Component travelling Exhibit
DG300           PL-31 Belgian Air Cadets
B-Hunter        274  80 UAV Squadron
Auster AOP.6  A-3 Brussels Royal Army Museum/Air Section
Flying
2X A109BA H-24 (UH(L)-MG) H-33 (UH(L)-Tpt) Wing Heli
SA.316B    M-2/OT-ZPB Navy Flt
SeaKing    RS-01  40 Sqn
Most of them operating  from Knokke heliport

Picture links:
Kristof Vandermoere    http://westwings.fotopic.net/c609493_1.html
Wim/Tom Houquet      http://sgkoksijde.fotopic.net/c610725.html    

08/07 - Kleine Brogel air base raises its alert status following the London terrorist attacks.

Since the London terrorist bomb attacks, Kleine Brogel air base has temporary raised its alert status to Iena Bravo level. Because of the presence of US nuclear weapons, security concern at Kleine Brogel air base have always been a serious matter. Some remind that the Tunisian and former professional soccer player Nizar Trabelsi was convicted by a Belgian court on September 2003 of plotting to blow up a canteen of the base on an Al Qaeda mission.

07/07 - SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express raises surcharche on tickets

SN Brussels Airlines, nearly immediately followed by its low cost partner, Virgin Express, announced on July 7th it would raise its fuel surcharge on tickets (from 10 to 12 euro for European flights and from 23 to 30 euro on the flights to Africa and to the Middle East) to account for surging oil prices starting in September.Sources: http://www.brusselsairlines.com/en/company/pressroom/detail.aspx?uri=tcm:31-1003 and http://www.virgin-express.com/CORPORATE/PRESSOFFICE/PRESSRELEASES.html?language=en

07/07 - Belgian Air Comonent will participate at Archangel 2005 held in September at Tanagra, Greece

During an informal meeting between the Chief of Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Avlonitis, and COMOPSAIR Chief of Staff, Major General Michel Audrit, that took place during the Airpower 05 airshow in Austria, it was announced that Belgian Air Component will enhance it's participation in Archangel 05 with one F-16 in flying display. Archangel 2005 is the code name of the large Air Display and Air Salon (presented as a mixture of aviation and cultural events) that will be held in September at Tanagra air base north of Athens. The 13-days event, starting on September 8th, will include aerobatic shows by teams from Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Poland. Source: http://www.haf.gr/en/news/article.asp?id=4

07/07 - SN Brussels Airlines is to lease a fourth Airbus A330.

SN Brussels Airlines Chairman, Rob Kuypers, has announced that SN Airholding has approved the lease of a fourth Airbus A-330 (current fleet includes: Airbus A330-301 OO-SFM, OO-SFN, OO-SFO). This fourth airplane will enable SNBA to improve its operations and to open-up a few new destinations in a later stage. The aim is to get the plane in the fleet by the end of 2005 or early 2006. Source: http://www.luchtzak.be/postt11832.html

07/07 - Bad weather conditions lead to cancellation of the Oostende International Naval Parade and fly pass.

Bad weather conditions - heavy rain and poor visibility - lead to the cancellation of the Oostende International Naval Parade and fly pass of July 8th (see news of June 23rd) organized in the framework of the 175th anniversary of the independence of Belgium and the Belgian Defence Days at Zeebrugge on July 9-10th: More here (Dutch) or here (French)

06/07 - First four Air Component pilots graduated from French-Belgian Advanced Jet Training school at Tours-Saint Symphorien.

On July 6th, four Air Component student pilots of Class 2002B graduated as military pilots with 13 of their French colleagues during a wings parade ("macarronage") in presence of the French and Belgian Ministers of Defence, Mrs Michèle Alliot-Marie and M. André Flahaut, at BA 705 of Tours-Saint-Symphorien, home of the French École de l'Aviation de Chasse 314 and French-Belgian Advanced Jet Training School (AJeTS). Class 2002B student pilots are the first to perform the Phase III of their flying training or Advanced Flying Training (AFT) in common with their French counterparts at the command of the French Alpha Jet E. They will now all four continue training - Phase IV or Initial Operational Training (IOT) - to become combat pilots at the French-Belgian AJeTS of Cazaux (see news of March 3rd, 2005). This graduation ceremony was also marked by the signature of the final technical agreement fixing the frame of this bilateral cooperation in the field of flying training. As from this Autumn onwards the 29 Air Component Alpha Jet 1B+ (designated A!) will be transferred at the BA120 of Cazaux offering a potential of 5000 flying hours/year - 1000 hours being dedicated to the yearly training of a total of eight Belgian military pilots. Initially limited to the fighter pilots training this cooperation has been extended recently to the transport training (at the BA702 of Avord - see news of March 7th, 2005) and as September 2006 onwards to the Basic Rotary Wing Training (BRWT) at the French ALAT school of Dax. More about this event:  here  and here

06/07 - Bankruptcy of Sogelac, the Cerfontaine airfield operator

Despite having recently received from the Belgian Federal Aviation Administration its much needed licence (see news of June 23rd, 2005), the Cerfontaine airfield (EBCF) operator, the Société de Gestion de l'Aérodrome de Cerfontaine (Sogelac), filed a petition for bankruptcy after the loss of more than the half of its capital. This bankruptcy is also the logical consequence of the dismissing on appeal of the Société Wallonne des Aéroports (Sowaer) against the use of the Cerfontaine hangars by Limair Industry, a small private aviation company specialized in the light aircraft business. On July 8th, regional Minister in charge of Airport Policy, M. André Antoine, has asked the Sowaer to put up Cerfontaine airfield for sale.

06/07 - Six Air Component F-16AM's departed Florennes heading for Kabul in Afghanistan in the framework of operation Eastern Eagle.

On 6 July, six Air Component F-16AMs (FA-98, FA-108, FA-116, FA-125 + two spares FA-68 and FA-121) departed Florennes air base heading for Kabul International Airport (OAKB) in Afghanistan to form part of the six month Belgian-Dutch detachment operating eight F-16 fighters (four Belgians + four Dutch) in the framework of the EEAW (European Expeditionary Air Wing). This operation will be performed under code-name Eastern Eagle/ISAF VIII. The Be/Nl detachment in Afghanistan will consists of 165 men - 65 of which Belgians coming mostly from the 2nd and 10th Wings - which will work in strict cooperation on operational as well as maintenance level. Their main task is to provide Close Air Support (CAS) for the Provincial Reconstruction Teams present in the Western part of Afghanistan. Nonetheless the two days programmed ferry flight, with a overnight at Akinci in Turkey, was delayed when the supporting Koninklijke Luchtmacht KDC-10 tanker (T-264) booked for the second step of the flight - Akinci-Kabul, 3.650 km -  went stuck due to a technical problem at Aruba in the Dutch Antilles. An alternative solution is underway. As soon as possible, the two spare aircraft will return to Belgium if no replacement is necessary. The four remaining continuing to Afghanistan. A complete report about the departure of those fighters from Belgium can be found here.

05/07 - The Air Component Helicopter and UAV detachments in Bosnia will be engaged in the monitoring of the ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the Srebenica massacre

Next week the Belgian Helicopter and UAV detachments, based at Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will be engaged in the monitoring and the control of the ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre. The Air Component A109BA Hirundos and B-Hunter UAVs will be operated in the Medevac, Flying Command post and Eyes in the sky roles, in the framework of the Eufor operation Watchful Eye. Between July 11th and 20th, 1995 almost 8000 Muslim men and boys were killed at Potocari - Srebrenica suburb - by the Army of Republika Srpska commanded by Serbs General Ratko Mladic. Over 50,000 people and various international high rank representatives are expected to gather at Potocari memorial centre were, earlier this week, the European Union peacekeepers have found 35 kg of hidden explosives.

05/07 - Florennes air base hosts an Operational Test & Evaluation session of the European F-16 MLU M4 software upgrade.

From July 5th, five European Participating Air Forces (EPAF) countries will be testing the M4 or 4th software upgrade of the F-16 Mid Life Update (MLU) - also designated F-16AM/BM - from Florennes air base. Eight of the very first F-16AM/BM M4 of Belgium (FA-91, FA-92), the Netherlands (J-204, J-210), Norway (658, 689) and Denmark (E-603, E-609) are currently based at Florennes in the framework of the so-called Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) M4 session to give feedback to members of the F-16 Systems Group on upgrades made to the aircraft. The purpose of the event was not only to get feedback on the current performance of the upgrade, but also to continue working with the pilots to ensure that the group is meeting current and future fighter needs. The M4 software integration in EPAF F-16AM/BM is expected in 2006. A glimpse to the future Photo link: This Norwegian AF F-16BM/M4 (serial 689) carries an ALQ-131 (including Band 3) jammer pod (bigger than the Dutch and Belgian ones), the new targeting pod (Panthera) and some AMRAAMs. It also has a new IRIS-T high off-boresight missile at station 3.

04/07 - A Seaking helicopter of 40 Squadron rescued a lady stuck in her flooded car.

As a result of heavy torrential rainfalls and thunderstorms, which have occurred on July 4th, serious flooding situations have developed in the Provinces of Oost-Vlaanderen and Hainaut. At the request of the Oost-Vlaanderen Governor, some 120 military men from various units participated relief efforts. Among them, a SAR Helicopter Westland Seaking and its crew of the 40 Squadron which rescued at Tielt a lady stuck in her flooded car.

03/07 - Fatal crash of a Aviasud AE-209 Albatros between Mozet and Wierde near Namur

A push-propeller ULM-aeroplane of type Aviasud AE-209 Albatros made a fatal crash between Mozet and Wierde near Namur on Sunday 3rd July at 13h15 local. It is reported that the cause of the crash might be the loss of a wing in flight. Its pilot, Baron Bernard d'Otreppe de Bouvette, is reported to be an experienced pilot as an aeronautical engineer having even participated in the design - with another Belgian engineer M. Francois Goethals - of the AE-209 Albatros.

01/07 - The Flemish regional authorities and the KHBO-Aerospace Department are establishing a Flemish Aviation High School at Oostende-Brugge airport

The Flemish regional authorities and the Katholieke Hogeschool Brugge-Oostende (KHBO) will establish the Vlaams Luchtvaartcentrum or Flemish Aviation Education High School at Oostende-Brugge airport. KHBO-Aerospace Department offers, in cooperation with Flemish Space Companies, introductory courses, advanced Europads-modules and projects (postgraduate MSc-level) on Space Technology, Spacionic Systems Design and Aerospace Project Management. The construction of the new school building is to start very soon. It will be erected near the Noordzeevliegclub installations and should be operational from September 2006 onwards.

01/07 - At the request of Belgocontrol and the MoD, the Walloon authorities have rejected the expansion project of the Sainte Ode Windmill Park.

At the request of Belgocontrol (the autonomous public company in charge of the safety of air navigation in the Belgian civil airspace and Belgian public airports) and the Ministry of Defence, the Walloon authorities have rejected the extension project of the Sainte Ode windmills park along the N4. The eight projected new windmills would have disturbed the good functioning of the Saint Hubert airspace radar control station and are considered as too dangerous for the low flying military aircraft operating over the Ardennes' Low-Level Flying Areas (LLFA). The current Renewable Power Company site of Sainte Ode consisted of six 300+ feet high windmills.

01/07 - Ex-Sabena subsidiary, Belgian Fuelling and Services Company, sold to German group Skytanking Holding

The Ex-Sabena subsidiary, in charge of fuelling planes on the tarmac, Belgian Fuelling and Services Company (BFSC), has been sold to German group Skytanking Holding. This company is already present at Oostende-Brugge airport since October 2002 through Merlin Fuel nv. This sale should also save 42 jobs.

01/07 - First stone of the Brussels South - Charleroi Airport new terminal laid down.

On July 1st, the first stone of the Brussels South-Charleroi Airport (BSCA) new terminal was laid down by Minister-President and Vice-Minister President of the Walloon Region, Ms Jean-Claude Van Cauwenberghe and André Antoine. The airport of Charleroi is experiencing a period of explosive growth. The number of passengers passing through this airport amounted to 2.000.000 in the year 2004 (for just 250.000 in 2000!), but this volume is expected to increase to 3 million passengers in the coming years. The new terminal located at the northern side of the airport should be operational in 2007.