September 2006

In an official ceremony at the Graaf Pierre De Brieylaan at Sint Michiels, near Bruges, a monument was inaugurated remembering a heavy bombardment of the town on 28 May 1944. On that day two waves totalling 202 US and British bombers attacked the German marine garrison in this town. No less than 40 civilians were killed and 47 injured. Next to a German pillbox already remembering that sad day an unexploded 500 pound bomb discovered nearby has been put on display.  Source; Tom Brinckman (www.aerobel.be) Click here for a picture of this event.

Three years after relations somewhat cooled down in the wake of differences in points of view on the Iraqi war Belgian pilots are invited to participate in some major exercises in the Unites States. From October 9th 2006, six Lockheed F-16AM/BM fighters and 4 Lockheed C-130H transporters will deploy to Nellis AFB to participate in "Red Flag" (9th until 20th October) and "Air Warrior" between November 7th and 11th. In the period between these two major exercises the pilots and aircraft will follow a special "Bloc Training". To accentuate the Belgian reappearance of Belgian military aircraft in the US, F-16 demo pilot "Mickey" Artiges will perform during the Nellis airshow on 11 and 12 November 2006. 

A Belgian Defence Airbus A310 brought some 139 Belgian troops to Beirut to work with the IN fore in war-ravaged Southern Lebanon. It is expected that some 420 Belgians will be in Lebanon by October 6. The detachment is made up of engineers and medics who will set up a field hospital in the town of Tibnine while a ship carrying equipment and materials for the Belgians is expected to dock at the Port of Beirut within the next couple of days. Source: The Daily Star (Lebanon)

Belgian Defence Minister André Flahaut has arrived at Beirut, Lebanon, to make a 24 hour visit in which he will meet Lebanese Defence Minister Elias Murr to discuss the eventual sale of M-113 armoured vehicles to the Lebanese army. Later Flahaut is also to visit Tibnine in the South east of the country where the majority of the 394 Belgian UN troops are to be stationed. Source: Het Laatste Nieuws.

The comity for internal promotion of Defence has recommended four Major-Generals to be promoted to Lieutenant General. Among them are two Air Component pilots Michel Singelé, head of Defence training and head of the Royal Military Academy and Gérard "Flurk" Van Caelenberge, Commander of the Air Component (and BAHA Member). Congratulations. Source: Het Belang van Limburg

23/09 - Hellas Jet flight from Brussels to Rhodes makes emergency landing at Crete.

An Airbus with 63 passengers of Hellas jet on a flight from Brussels' Zaventem airport to Rhodes in Greece had to make an emergency landing at the airport of Heraklion on Crete. During the flight over the Aegean Sea the pilot had encountered problems with the controls of the aircraft. None of the passengers and crew was injured. Source: De Morgen 

Dick Martin, European Council reporter on the alleged CIA flight has stated that aircraft observers have greatly helped to prove the existence of these secretive CIA missions in Europe. Thanks to the gathering of information by these aircraft-spotters the presence of at least six CIA aircraft in Europe could be certified. Source: 7SUR7

The Ryanair flight linking Dublin (Ireland) with Treviso (Italy) had to be rerouted to Charleroi airport because a passenger suffered heart problems on board. Although a specialised medical team was ready on the tarmac and tried to save the victim he unfortunately died of a heart attack. Source: 7SUR7

A new production centre was officially opened at the Airbus Filton plant, near Bristol, where wings for the A400M military transport aircraft will be assembled. The first set of A400M components is already being worked on in one of the 8,000 square metre manufacturing centre’s two sets of wing assembly jigs. A third set of wing assembly jigs will be installed as the production rate builds up to three sets of wings per month. Belgian Defence is to replace its venerable Lockheed C-130H transport aircraft by the Airbus Military A400M. Source: EADS

From Monday 30th October 2006, VLM Airlines will commence flying from Groningen to Amsterdam and London City, offering day return opportunities to both cities. Every weekday an aircraft of VLM Airlines will depart from Groningen Airport at 0650, fly to Amsterdam, and then continue its journey to London City Airport arriving at 0820.  The flight returns from London City at 1750 and Amsterdam at 2030, and arrives at Groningen at 2120.  On Saturdays VLM Airlines will operate one morning flight from Groningen to Amsterdam and London City, returning on Sunday evening. Source: VLM

Belgian airline Jetairfly (previously known as TUI Airlines Belgium) will launch a Toulon-Brest service on 14/04/2006. Source: Luchtzak.be

Between 18 September and 6 October 2006 a Belgian Defence detachment consisting of 40 persons and 7 Marchetti trainers will receive training at French "base aérienne 709 "Commandant Ménard" at Cognac. Normally receiving their instruction at Beauvechain airbase, the Belgian student pilots will occupy the infrastructure of the Ecole de Pilotage de l'Armée de l'Air (EPAA) and will fly an average of twenty training missions taking advantage of the favourable weather conditions of the South-Western part of France. Source: Website of the Armée de l'Air.

During the night of 14/15 September Hawker Siddeley Andover 9Q-CDY was moved by road from Antwerpen/Deurne airport to Ranst (Emblem)  where it is to serve as fire-fighting training object of the Provinciaal Instituut voor Brandweer en Ambulanciersopleidingen. (Provincial Institute for fire-fighting and ambulance personnel training Centre). First pictures of this very special road transport by night here and here.

Excellent news for the Moroccan community and some sun worshippers: Starting 1 November 2006, Jet4you (www.jet4you.com), the first Moroccan low cost carrier, will offer three weekly flights to Casablanca, with fares as low as €18 inclusive of all charges. More information at www.charleroi-airport.com

Walloon Minister, André Antoine, has signed the building permit to extend the main runway of Liège - Bierset airport with some 413 meters bringing total length on 3.700 meters. A previous attempt had been stopped due to procedure errors. Source: Le Soir enligne

President Paul Biya has reportedly put the privatisation of the Cameroon Airlines, CAMAIR on hold. Information was gathered that an American company has made a better offer than SN Brussels Airlines who made a bid through First Delta Air Services, the consortium comprising SN Brussels Airlines and CENANVEST, a Cameroonian venture capital fund. Source: allAfrica.com

Replacement B-Hunter UAV n° 289 has arrived at N'Dolo airport (Kinshasa) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This aircraft replaces n° 285 which was shot down during one of its first missions while on approach to its deployment base. (see also Baha-News of 28/07 and 03/08 below). The following Belgian Defence UAV's are now operational at N'Dolo providing instant imaging for the European force EUFOR which assists the DRC during the election period: 277, 281, 283 and 289. On two aircraft, 277 and 283 (picture), high visibility yellow markings have been applied. Click here for picture of B-Hunter 289 at N'Dolo.

Since August 31st no less than 5 aircraft had to make emergency or precautionary landings at Zaventem airport. On 31st August an Airbus A330 of SN Brussels Airlines had to return after an engine failure on take off, while one day later two Avro Regional Jets also of SNBA had to return with minor defects. On September 3rd a Togolese Boeing 727 had to make a fast emergency landing when the aircraft ran low on fuel and the there was the British Airways A320 described below. Airport manager BIAC said that this is the result of an extreme coincidence an states that only some 40 incidents occur at Zaventem on annual basis. Source: De Standaard

Airbus A320 G-BUSF of British Airways made an emergency landing on runway 25R at Brussels' Zaventem airport around 19h15. The pilots of the aircraft flying from London-Heatrow to Frankfurt were warned by a cargo hold smoke detector and decided to make an emergency landing at Zaventem. All passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft via the emergency slides. Due to this incident runway 25R has been closed for operations.

Two Belgians, Philippe De Cock and Ronny Van Havere have won the prestigious Coupe Gordon Bennett Aéronautique for gas balloons flying the incredible distance of 2.400 km or from Waasmunster to Kirkeness in Norway. The first Gordon Bennett race was organised 100 years ago and is aimed at flying the longest distance in one straight line between take-off point and landing. Together with 16 other teams coming from 9 different countries De Cock and Van Havere took of at Waasmunster on 9 September and managed to land at 35 km from final destination Kirkeness in Norway. The nearest competitor (Willi Eimers from Germany) landed several hundreds of kilometres away in Northern Finland. Source & more information: http://gb2006.dfsv.de/result.php?lang=en

The Council of Ministers has authorised Minister of Defence André Flahaut to acquire from the US Government "Cartridge Activated Devices" (CAD) and "Propellant Actrivated Devices (PAD) to enable to safely operate the ejection seats used in belgian Defence Lockheed F-16 fighters. The sale is to be concluded without negotiating procedure through a "Foreign Military Sale". Source: Presscenter.org NL or FR.

Airline punctuality is declining in Europe, but Zaventem Airport in Brussels is performing well, the Association of European Airports (AEA) said. AEA said the Brussels international airport has recorded the least amount of delays. The AEA figures relate to the second quarter of 2006. In general, 20.2 percent of flights within Europe encountered a delay of more than 15 minutes. In the same period in 2005, just 18.1 percent of flights had a delay of more than 15 minutes. In 2003 and 2004, the figure was 16.6 percent. AEA said the second quarter of this year was seventh consecutive quarter in which the amount of delays increased. Source: Expatica

Well known Lockheed T-33A T-Bird G-TBRD/RCAF 21261 which was presented at the Defence Days organised at Beauvechain over the weekend crashed while taking off at Duxford at 14h30L According to the BBC the aircraft hit a tree and crashed upon which the T-bid caught fire and was destroyed. Fortunately the crew escaped with minor injuries. Source: BBC-News  -  picture of the aircraft performing at Beauvechain on Saturday.

From 18 September onward VLM Airlines will offer 7 return flights between Antwerpen-Deurne and London City airports on weekdays.  For the moment this is limited to 4 flights a day. At the same time VLM announced a new direct line between Antwerpen and Manchester starting from October 30th 2006. This expansion indicates that the airline now believes that Antwerpen-Deurne airport will grow into a major regional airport, VLM Managing Director Johan Vanneste said. Source: VRT-Nieuws.net

Since their deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo the Belgian Defence UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) of the 80th UAV Swuadron have flown some 30 missions accounting for over 100 flying hours in the Kinshasa region. These operational missions are flown on behalf of the Eufor DR Congo, the force deployed to Congo during the period of the elections.   Info: Mil.be (NL & FR)

An association between Dutch helicopter company Helinet and the major Dutch bus enterprise Connexxion plans to create a helicopter link between Amsterdam and Brussels flying two Eurocopter EC135 machines. The first flights are foreseen for mid 2007 and are to offer a fast and safe alternative to the established air links, TGV lines and traffic jam plagued motorways. Source: Helinet.nl .

A concrete "Calibration Path" constructed by the Luftwaffe during the Second World War which still exists at Grimbergen has also been chosen to be protected as part of Flanders'  aeronautical heritage. The installation was used by the Luftwaffe to adjust the aircraft compasses and was situated away from the main hangars to avoid magnetic influences.  Click here for a recent picture of the calibration path.

New airline Axis International Lines from Cameroon will connect Douala (the country’s largest city) with Zaventem twice weekly from 7 December 2006 onwards. The link will be flown with a Boeing 737-200. Source: Luchtzak & Axis International Lines

The 60th anniversary of an independent air arm in Belgium, the called Militair Vliegwezen / Aviation Militare was celebrated in presence of crown-Prince Philippe at Beauvechain airbase on the eve before the Belgian Defence Days. A superb demonstration by demo pilot "Mickey" Artiges in his F-16 FA-131 accentuated by discharging rounds of flares at sunset most certainly marked this festive occasion. (Pictures - 1 -  2 -) 

Since May 2006 the FAST bvba company owned by Frédéric Vormezeele has put up for sale some 4 aircraft of the famed "Vormezeele Collection".  Aircraft involved are a Boeing StearmanPT-17 Kaydet project (G-IIIG), Nord 1101 Noralpha (OO-VAF), Nord 1100 Ramier (34-DJ) and a North American T-28D-5 project (FG-244). More information can be found here.

August 2006

Irish budget airline Ryanair will add two new destinations to its network from Charleroi-Brussels South airport from 19 December onward. Grenoble (Fr.) and Turin (Italy) are ideally located as starting point for winter 'ski" holidays and will be served three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Bookings for these flights can already be made now. Ryanair's network from Gosselies now serves 19 destinations, 6 of which to winter sports locations. (Salzburg, Milan-Bergamo, Gerona, Venice-Treviso, Turin and Grenoble).  Source: ryanair.com

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low fares airline, and OnAir, the leading onboard passenger communications provider, announced a deal that will see Ryanair’s entire fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft fitted with OnAir’s onboard mobile communications solution. This will make Ryanair the first European airline to offer Europe-wide mobile telephony services during flights across its entire fleet of aircraft to all passengers via their own mobile phones and smartphones. More on ryanair.com

Johan and Peter, the KB "specials" home painters, are proud to announce the birth (over the weekend) of the newest 31 Squadron "Tiger": its name is FA-87. To tell it in the parents words: "the new born is simply beautiful; bedecked in black and orange with hints of brushed steel, it has suffered some battle damage but still keeps on going showing off its 31 heritage in 3D". With its little brother FA-94, they both will stun the Tiger community at Albacete and take the coveted Silver Tiger award home from Spain once again. Supplementary info by Faan here.

VLM Airlines, the carrier with the largest number of flights from London City Airport, will introduce another three return flights to Amsterdam from 4th September 2006, bringing the total number of return flights to nine each weekday. VLM Airlines launched the London City - Amsterdam route in April 2005 with three flights every weekday, offering a choice of Business and Economy Class on each service. A further three services were introduced earlier this year and, from September, the carrier will offer nine return flights every weekday, along with two each Sunday and one flight on Saturday. Source and more info at www.flyvlm.com

Belgian Defence has published an overview of all operations abroad in which Belgian military personnel is involved. This clearly demonstrated the practical results of an Army that has evolved from a static battlefield force to hugely mobile and overseas deployable smaller but more effective, better equipped and completely integrated units.  Click here for a graphic overview.

The monthly statistics on air traffic in Belgium published by Belgocontrol show an overall total of 99.721 movements over the month of July 2006, a 4.6% increase over the 95.336 flights registered for the same month last year. Brussels' Zaventem airport noted a 1.3% increase up to 22.536 movements. For the regional airports Charleroi - Brussels-South is still leading with 8.203 flight followed by Oostende-Brugge (7.472), Antwerpen-Deurne (7.093) and Liège-Bierset (4.453). Source: Belgocontrol.

The Belgian Defence B-Hunter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) based at N'Dollo airport in downtown Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) have been very active during the three days of fights  between  supporters of both candidates of the presidential elections still in the running. The UAV's detached to the European force EUFOR which assists the DRC during the election period have made it possible for a Uruguayan company of the MONUC and Spanish Legionnaires to evacuate 14 ambassadors of the Comité International d'Acompagnement de la Transition (CIAT) which were caught in the fighting at the residence of candidate Mr. Bemba.  The B-Hunter having been shot down on 28 July will soon be replaced by a similar vehicle to be flown in from Belgium.

TransArms, a US investigative group that helped in establishing Amnesty International's report on secret CIA terrorist transports has compiled a new list of 25 suspicious flights that passed through Belgian airspace magazine 'Knack' reported. Besides the above mentioned list several flights by Kalitta Air from Zaventem and Bierset have also been mentioned in the report. Bruce De Ruyver, security advisor to the Prime Minister said up to now there was no indication that neither the 25 identified flights nor the Kalitta Air movements involved the transport of suspected terrorist. Source: De Morgen & Expatica

Due to continuous unrest and violence in the wake of the publication of the first elections results at Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) has cancelled its flights on the link between Brussels and Kinshasa. On 21 August, an Airbus 330 returned from Douala, Cameroon directly to Brussels, skipping the scheduled stop in Kinshasa. Source: Luchtzak

Between August 22nd and 31st 2006, a 349 Squadron detachment deploys to the Swiss Air Force base at Payerne with 5 Lockheed F-16AM/BM on invitation of the locally based N° 11 squadron equipped with the F/A-18 Hornet. Last year Swiss Hornets twice deployed to Belgium in the framework of a bi-lateral agreement between the Belgian Defence and the Swiss Air Force. Source: www.Aerobel.be - Swiss Air Force F/A-18C Hornet.

In the wake of the foiled plot to simultaneously blow up some ten airliners, new security regulations for US bound passengers from Brussels' Zaventem airport have been installed. To find out more on the details of these regulations click here. For passengers flying to all other destinations the EU regulations still apply, so nothing changes. Source: BIAC

A Belgian Air Component’s Lockheed C-130H Hercules together with a similar aircraft of the Royal Jordanian Air Force has transported more than 200 tents, 9,000 blankets, 2,000 plastic sheets, and a warehouse to Beirut for the benefit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to help the people affected by the recent Middle-East conflict. More flight even brought in two armoured vehicles needed to safely move UNHCR staff onto roads in southern Lebanon.  Source & more information: Reuters AlertNet

During a demonstration of a vintage Fokker S.11 Instructor aircraft at the Keiheuvel airfield 50th anniversary open door the pilot unfortunately lost control of its machine probably due to engine malfunction and crashed from a height of 50 meters. The very experienced 36 year old Dutch professional pilot unfortunately died of his injuries on Sunday. Source: Luchtvaartnieuws & Het Nieuwsblad. Picture of the aircraft on Airliners.net.

A hot-air balloon participating in the Belgian Ballooning championships organised by the Belgian Balloon Federation got entangled in a tree of the Koningsbos at Kasterlee. The pilot had taken off at Westerloo with Turnhout as destination when he noticed that the helium reserve needed to fuel the hot air burners was running low. Avoiding high tension wires the balloon was blown over the Koningsbos with no landing place available nearby. The balloon gently settled into the tree tops and its unfortunate pilot which luckily remained unharmed had to be freed by the fire brigade. Source: VRT-Nieuws

The roadside assistance association "Touring" is to sponsor the MUG (Mobile Urgentie  Groepen - Mobile Urgency groups) helicopter of the Instituut voor Medische Dringende Hulpverlening (Intsitute voor urgent medical assistance) over a period of 5 years. Annually the MUG helicopter flies some 750 missions in West- and Oost-Vlaanderen as well as the Zeeland province in the Netherlands.  Source: Het Nieuwsblad – MUG-Helikopter West Vlaanderen by Chris Defour

Between 11 and 28 September Belgian Defence is organising a vast  exercise in association with German, French and Austrian colleagues involving units of the Medical-, Air-, Land- and Marine components. The aim of the exercise is to improve cooperation with civilian communities during foreign missions. For that particular reason many civilian organisations such as police and fire brigades will be involved in Quick Response. More information on Mil.be NL & FR

A Belgian Defence Lockheed C-130H Hercules is to transport much needed humanitarian aid for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) between Aqaba in Jordan to Beirut in Lebanon. From Wednesday 16 August the transporter will make two rotations a day to help the people affected by the recent conflict. Source: 7sur7

Only one month after the grant inauguration of its first flight to Shangai from Brussels Hainan Airlines ends the direct link between the two cities. As Hainan maintains its direct flight to Beijing, Belgian passengers will still be able to travel to Shangai although with a change-over to another Hainan Airlines flight. Hainan sales manager Petra Beulens stated that the Brussels-Beijing timetable will be adjusted accordingly, Source: De Tijd

The plot to simultaneously blow up as many as 10 U.S.-bound passenger jets with liquid explosives hidden in carry-on luggage was foiled with the arrest of several suspects by the UK police. As a direct result hand-luggage of all passengers leaving Brussels for the United States is restricted to the most essential items, such as wallets, travel documents, medicines and eyeglasses. US bound travellers also have their shoes inspected. In the wake of the plot discovery and stepped up security measures many British Airways flights between London Heathrow and to Brussels’ Zaventem airports have been cancelled. Sources: 7sur7, VRT Nieuws

09/08 - Ukraine Air Force Antonov makes "Open Skies" photo reconnaissance flight over Benelux.

A Ukraine Air Force Antonov 30B has made a photo reconnaissance flight over the Benelux in the framework of the 1992 Open-Skies treaty. It is the fifth time this type of confidence building missions is flown over the Benelux and the second time by the Ukrainians. Benelux aircraft have recently flown missions of the same nature over Ukraine and Russia. Source: Het Laatste Nieuws & picture of a previous visit.

For the very first time, the airlines SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express organise a joint selling period. Between the 11th and the 15th of August, Virgin Express offers tickets to all its destinations at a price of € 49,99 for a one-way ticket, all taxes and surcharges included. During the selling period from the 12th of August till the 15th of August, SN Brussels Airlines offers 500.000 seats to more than 20 destinations at a price of € 59 for a one-way ticket, all taxes and charges included. Source: Virgin Express (.pdf)

Former Belgian Air Force North American AT-6D-NT (Harvard III) H-4 (c/n 88-12326) which was used as training aircraft by Air France after its Belgian military service has been meticulously restored to the highest standards by a team at Angers/Marce (F.) airfield. It now wears a WWII USAAF colour scheme as used by some American units in Europe and even Belgium. In these colours the aircraft wears its original USAAF number 41-33633. Click here for a picture by Ian O'Neill.

Surveillance overflights of the Kinshasa region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by Belgian Defence B-Hunter UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) have resumed after one of these drones had been shot down on July 28th. These observation missions are planned in the framework of the EUFOR presence at the DRC to help the Congolese authorities organise a safe election period. The UAV's are operated from N'Dollo airport situated near the centre of Kinshasa. (See also BAHA news on 12/07, 28/07 and 03/08)

The future of the new Belgian airline-duo SN Brussels Airlines - Virgin Express (SNBA-Virgin) doesn't look al that bright according to an article published by the weekly “Trends” in a conclusion to an in-depth analysis of the financial situation of the merged companies. Although boosting profit over the last years, both companies could show these positive balances thanks to exceptional situations. On top of that and according to “Airline Business” magazine, passenger transport in Europe becomes an exceedingly difficult market for traditional carriers such as SNBA-Virgin. Fortunately the new company can count on a very experienced new CEO, Philippe Vander Putte (ex-Proximus) who certainly has the "right stuff" to put the newly merged company on the right tracks to success.  Source and more information: De Beursduivel

Antwerp based company Antwerp Air has acquired the right of usage of the name "Sobelair" and becomes owner of it. By the end of the year the company will reveal what it intends to do with the name. However, insiders revealed that the company projects to start a new airline operating BAe Systems ATP aircraft on flights to Italy and Scandinavia. Source: L'Echo & Luchtvaartnieuws

A Belgian Defence Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport has finally been able to land at Beirut airport with a full load of humanitarian aid donated by the Belgian Defence and several Belgian humanitarian associations. Minister André Flahaut himself was also on board the Hercules and was welcomed by Lebanese Minister of Internal Affairs Ahmed Fatfat. He also had a conversation with Mr. Fouad Siniora, prime Minister of Lebanon. Source: Het Laatste Nieuws and La Libre

03/08 - Exceptional summer-season growth of passenger traffic at Ostend-Bruges Airport

In July the coastal airport of Oostende-Brugge has seen a 28.8% rise in passenger traffic to 20.538 registered users. This is mainly due to the extension of the number of charter flights to Southern-European destinations. Between January and July 2006 passengers figures also saw a rise of 16.4% compared to the first seven months of 2005. Source: Luchtvaartnieuws. 

The Belgian Defence B-Hunter UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) which crashed at Kingabwa,  Kinshasa (DRC) did not suffer any technical problems but was shot down while making an approach to the airport of Kinshasa - N'Dolo. This was confirmed by a Belgian team of specialists who examined the wreckage. The small aircraft was hit by a bullet in one of its vital parts causing it to crash. Source: Expatica

With a total number of 212.115 registered passengers over July 2006 (+16%) the airport of Charleroi Brussels-South is experiencing an exceptional summer-season. This important growth is mainly due to 6 new routes (Faro, Ljubliana, Malaga, Salzburg and Valencia) started earlier in the year and the high seat occupation level of nearly 90% on all flights. Source: Brussels South Charleroi Airport

The fifth edition of the successful "Defence Days" will be organised at Beauvechain airbase on 2 and 3 September 2006. Main theme this year will be the 60th anniversary of the Belgian Air Force which will be highlighted by a number of "Old & New" formation fly by's. For a complete overview of the show on Mil.be follow these links: NL & FR , while a detailed list of participating aircraft can be found here. To prove that the organisers are very well prepared to cope with any possible problem during the show a simulated accident (explosion of a gas container in a kitchen unit) was staged at Beauvechain on 2 August. The reaction of the medical and rescue services including an Agusta helicopter proved to be very efficient after a primarily evaluation, according to Col. De Schrevel, Beauvechain base commander. Pictures: 1  -  2  -  3

After a direct link with China, Zaventem airport is to welcome yet another Asian destination starting from next year. In the framework of a code-sharing agreement with SNBA, the Indian company Jet Airways will operate a daily return link Bombay (now called Mumbai) - Brussels - New-York. More than probably these flights will be flown with brand new Boeing 777 (280 seats) airliners deliveries of which is to start in March 2007. Source: La Libre

July 2006

Two Belgian Defence Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft loaded with humanitarian aid for the Lebanese population are not receiving permission by the Israeli authorities to land at Beirut airport for security and congestion reasons. Minister of Defence André Flahaut still hopes to get the necessary permissions but is also looking for alternative solutions. Source: 7sur7

Federal Police security has been increased at Brussels’ Zaventem Airport after a letter threatening attacks against Israeli airline El Al was found in a toilet room over the weekend. The letter is probably a reaction on the Israeli offensive in Lebanon. El Al has been informed of the threat but as it already maintains the highest possible level of security at Brussels no specials actions were undertaken. Source: Het Nieuwsblad

Growth of TNT's Express division is such that a major expansion is due at its Liège-Bierset distribution centre. TNT's 2006 first six months figures show a 5.8% increase in turnover and a 10% raise in company result. In order to double the handling capacity at Liège-Bierset airport, division head Marie-Christine Lombard is to invest some 90 million Euros. Source: La Dernière Heure

A Belgian Defence UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Eagle B-Hunter with registration 285 (c/n BH285) crashed at Kingabwa, Kinshasa, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) at 16h45 local time at the end of a test flight . Part of the aircraft fell into the Congo River while another part crashed on a house setting it on fire. According to some sources there are five persons injured. This UAV is one of four such aircraft deployed to N'Dolo, Kinshasa to provide instant imaging for the European force EUFOR which assists the DRC during the election period. Source: Het Nieuwsblad. Click here for a picture of the ill fated UAV 285.

Four months ago the Belgian Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with nine Belgian organ transplant centres to provide organ transport with Agusta helicopters on behalf of these institutions. Following this decision the Oostende based company "Noordzee Helicopters" went to court accusing Defence of competition fraud. The Brussels Court of Commerce now agrees with this point of view and will charge a 2.500 € fine for each transport executed by Defence helicopters. Source: VRT Nieuws.net

Sabena Flight Academy has ordered a new full flight simulator for the Boeing 737 Next Generation with the Dutch company Sim-Industries. On this new simulator which will be operational from 15 May 2007, pilots will be trained for the Boeing 737-700 and -800 series. With this new addition Sabena Flight Academy will have 6 full flight simulators to train crews of some 70 companies on aircraft such as the Airbus A330/A340, A319/A329/A321, Boeing 737-200, 737-300/400/500, 737-700/800 and the Avro RJ85/100. Source: Luchtvaartnieuws

Handling company Aviapartner has signed a contract with Hainan Airlines of China for the provision of cargo handling and catering services at Brussels’ Zaventem airport. Hainan Airelines is one of the largest airline company’s of the People’s Republic of China and operates 4 weekly flights between China and Brussels. Source: De Standaard

According to Brussels' Zaventem airport managing company BIAC, the international airport saw a 4.5% rise in passengers over the first 6 months of 2006 compared to the same period one year ago. Some 7.5 million travellers have been using Zaventem airport over the last 6 months with June 30th as an absolute peak handling some 64.292 passengers. Source: Het Laatste Nieuws

The Yakkes Foundation will use a successful American type of fundraising to acquire a rare World War-II vintage Russian Yak-9 fighter.  You can help in the acquisition of this fighter which easily can be considered the Russian equivalent of the world famous Spitfire or Mustang by buying pixels at 1 Euro a piece (with a minimum of 100) at the Yakkes webpage: http://www.yakkes.com/millionpix/. In return your personal message will be published during minimum 5 years and will also be displayed on the hospitality bus which will be operational from 2007 onwards. The Yakkes Foundation is convinced that it will be able to collect the much needed funds within 3 years. Click here for a picture of the Yak-9 fighter.

After the venture with Cameroon Airlines, SN Brussels Airlines is considering buying a stake in Rwandair Express after Rwanda's flag carrier is privatized. As the World Bank Urged Rwanda to privatise, the government of Rwanda plans to launch a tender for a strategic partner for the flag carrier. SN Brussels Airlines, already Europe’s "Africa" specialist wants to reinforce its position and is interested in investing in the carrier or buying shares, Geert Sciot, spokesman for the Belgian airline said. Sourcfe: Het Laatste Nieuws

Three Belgian Defence aircraft (A310/C-130H) arrived at Melsbroek airbase near Brussels with some 120 Belgians who were evacuated from the Lebanon war zone. Among them was Guy Quaden, Governor of the Belgian National Bank who was on holiday in Lebanon. Source: Metrotime

A full size replica of the new NH-90 tactical transport helicopter, 10 of which are to be acquired by the Belgian forces was on show at the Place Poelaert Plein near the Palais de Justice/Justitiepaleis at Brussels for the occasion of the Belgian National Holiday.

The Belgian Council of Ministers approved a proposal filed by Defence Minister André Flahaut to detach one Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft and 17 men to Kabul Airport (KAIA) in Afghanistan. The mission will fall under operational control of COMISAF (Commander ISAF) and will last 4 months from 15 September 2006 onwards and will provide support flights of troops and equipment and medical evacuation flights. Source: Presscenter.org  FR  &  NL 

Mrs. Véronique Paulus de Chàtelt, Governor of the Brussels-Capital region has presented a Royal "brevet" to the vzw/asbl Belgian Air Cadets' president, retired Lt. Gen. Guido Vanhecke. In a not to distant future we might see a name change to "Royal" Belgian Air Cadets. Source: Mil.be FR & NL

Reopening Brussels’ direct access to Asia, the first flight on the new route between Brussels, Beijing and Shanghai took off fully booked (233 passengers) from Brussels Airport on July 20th 2006. Operated by Hainan Airlines with a Boeing 767-300 ER in code share partnership with SN Brussels Airlines, the new service is scheduled four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Source: BIAC & SN Brussels Airlines

Three Czech Air Force L159 Alca's and a single Saab JAS 39C fighter arrived at Kleine Brogel for a courtesy visit at the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The aircraft will also be present at the Kleine Brogel Photo Call on 21 July and the Sanicole Airshow on 23 July. A second Grippen is to arrive on Friday for the Photo Call. Pictures:  -  1  -  2  -

Thales has selected Barco's brand-new CHDD-254 Cockpit Head Down Displays for the Electronic Warfare upgrade of the Belgian Air Force C-130H Hercules transport aircraft. Barco has also been selected by Lockheed Martin UK, Ltd., London, to deliver over 80 units of its TL-361 rugged display to be used inside the Royal Navy's Merlin MK 1 helicopter. The 24-inch TL-361 is especially suitable for airborne platforms and will be used as the mission display. The delivery fits into the Royal Navy's Merlin Capability Sustainment Program (MCSP) and holds the possibility for customer support for the next 30 years.  Source: Barco C-130H and Merlin.

A major restructuring phase in the Belgian aeronautical sector translated in an increased demand for highly skilled personnel which on its turn needs to be trained. Already now the KHBO school (Katholieke Hogeschool Brugge Oostende) has some 140 trainees.  To cope with the increased demand, a new aeronautical training centre will be build in Oostende (operational by the end of 2006) which will be able to train up to 350 specialists annually. For this initiative the vzw Vlaams Luchtvaartcentrum Oostende can count on a 1.2 million € grant from the European Commission. Source: Stadsomroep Brugge

Two Mil Mi-17 Hip-H helicopters belonging to the Macedonian Air Force (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovsto i Protivvozdusna Odbrana) have arrived at camp Europe, Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) to join the Belgian Althea deployment (consisting of three Agusta A.109BA helicopters) in the framework of the European Eufor deployment at this former Yugoslav republic. Source: Mil.be: NL & FR.  Picture of Macedonian AF Mi-17 Hip-H

On 18 July an Belgian Defence Airbus A.310 is to evacuate a large group of Belgians citizens and other foreigners from Larnaca Airport (LCA/LCLK), Cyprus to Brussels. Hundreds of foreigners were evacuated from Lebanon to Cyprus by a French government chartered ferry as the war in Lebanon and Israel is intensifying. 

Exactly 10 years ago Belgian Air Force C-130H Hercules CH-06 crashed on landing at Eindhoven due to multiple bird strike. Only seven persons of the 4 men crew and 37 strong Dutch Army band survived the ensuing inferno in the worst ever disaster of the Belgian Air Force. A remembrance ceremony was organised near the monument erected at the exact spot of the crash while a two minutes silence was respected at 18h00 the time of the crash 10 years ago.  Source: Algemeen Dagblad

The Executive Board of SN Airholding has appointed as from 1 January 2007, Mr. Philippe Vander Putten as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express. Mr. Vander Putten will succeed to Neil Burrows whose excellent work in successfully accomplishing the merger between SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express will certainly be remembered and appreciated. Source: SN Brussels Airlines

SN Brussels Airlines offers all designers, established and upcoming artists and young talents the possibility to express themselves in an original way by decorating the tail of an aircraft. The three selected masterpieces will adorn the tail of three SN Brussels Airlines’ aircraft during the summer season, flying throughout Europe, from Saint Petersburg to Rome, from Sevilla to Helsinki, at Marseille, Porto, Berlin, Prague, … More information on how to enter at: SN Brussels Airlines

Forty-nine men, mostly of the 80° Squadron UAV arrived at Ndolo Airport, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 12 July 2006. Their mission in assistance to the European military force EUFOR in the DRC will mainly consist of UAV overflights of the Kinshasa neighbourhood surroundings to provide real-time imagery for the EUFOR Command as well as the Congolese authorities. See also BAHA-news item on 23/06/2006. Source: Mil.be in NL and FR

The urgent need for additional parking space at Zaventem airport has been solved as, 950 new parking spots are available in the brand-new passenger car park P3 opened on July 1st. This brings the total parking capacity in the neighbourhood of the airport to 11,000 places. 

An estimated 50 pacifists staged actions across Belgium to denounce the presence of nuclear weapons in our country. A first group of so-called "bomb spotters" went to Brussels, where they took to the Brussels headquarters of the American company Lockheed Martin, one of the world's leading military contractors. From there, they went to NATO headquarters in Evere and to the Belgian Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence headquarters. They also protested at Gooik and at Kleine Brogel airbase, where they unfolded a banner, symbolically closing the site. Some protesters tried to scale the fence. Those who succeeded in crossing the first fence were quickly apprehended by military staff inside the site. Exactly ten years ago, the International Court of Justice in The Hague (Netherlands) ruled that the presence of nuclear weapons contravenes with international legislation. Source: VRT Nieuws

The two polyvalent M-type frigates, acquired by the Belgian Marine Component from the Dutch Navy with expected delivery in March 2007 and March 2008 respectively, have been named "Leopold I" and "Louise Marie". The new names were made public by Belgian Defence minister André Flahaut at the festivities for the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Koninklijke Marine and the 60th anniversary of the Zeemacht/Force Navale. The ships will receive hull numbers F930 for the "Leopold I" and parent city "Nivelles" (Mr. Flahaut home town) and F931 for the "Louise Marie" which will have Sint Niklaas as parent city.  Both ships are expected to be equipped each with a NH90 helicopter, acquisition of which is expected this year. See news item of 02/07. Source: Het Laatste Nieuws.

Investigators have disclosed that the TNT Airways Boeing 737-300 freighter which conducted an apparent gear-up landing at Birmingham Airport, UK last month had actually lost its right main undercarriage during a failed attempt to land at Nottingham a few minutes earlier. Owing to poor weather at London Stansted, following a flight from Liege, Belgium on 15 June, the aircraft had diverted to Nottingham East Midlands Airport and was carrying out a Category IIIA approach to runway 27 at around 05:40, reports the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). About 1nm (1.8km) from touchdown the aircraft’s approach became unstable, after a momentary disconnection and re-engagement of the autopilot. The 737 rose above the glideslope, before descending rapidly and deviating to the left of the centreline. Although the crew began a go-around the aircraft landed heavily on grass to the left of the runway threshold – the impact tearing off the right main landing-gear and causing damage to the right inboard flaps, wing-fuselage fairing, hydraulic system and the rear freight hold door. Despite the damage, and although the aircraft’s outer wing and starboard engine contacted the ground, the 737 managed to become airborne again. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to Birmingham, where weather conditions were good, touching down on runway 33 at 06:02. With its right main-gear absent, the aircraft came to rest on its starboard engine. Neither of the two crew members of the 737-300, a 19-year old example registered OO-TND, was injured. Both airports suffered disruption to operations as a result of the accident. AAIB personnel are carrying out an inquiry into the circumstances. The organisation says: “At this early stage of the investigation it is not considered necessary to make any formal safety recommendations.” Source: Flight and BAHA News of 15/06/2006

“Thomas Cook Airlines” the Belgian airline specialised in operating charter flights for the tour operator of the same name, has acquired in leasing a supplementary Airbus A320 airliner to enlarge its fleet to six aircraft of this type. The fleet expansion also brings along 36 new jobs with the company which transported no less then 3.7 million Belgian holiday travellers during the first four years of operations. Source: VRT Nieuws. 

As from 20th July, Brussels will have a direct connection with Beijing and Shanghai thanks to a cooperation agreement between Hainan Airlines of the People’s Republic of China and SN Brussels Airlines. Tickets can be booked as from today. Once the cooperation agreement between Hainan and SN Brussels Airlines was concluded on 25th April of this year, a date of the inaugural flight Belgium – China was fixed. As from 20th July, Hainan Airlines together with partner SN Brussels Airlines will offer direct services between the European Capital and the Chinese Capital Beijing and the important business centre Shanghai. This is the only existing flight connection between Belgium and the People’s Republic of China. Four weekly services will be offered in both directions. Flights depart from Brussels on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and arrive in Beijing the next day in the afternoon and in Shanghai in the early evening. All flights are operated by Hainan Airlines with state of the art Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft in a business and economy class configuration. Source: SN Brussels Airlines

From June 19th until July 14th four L-159 ALCA aircraft from the Czech Air Force have joined the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) flying course for the first time. Two aircraft are full course participants while two other aircraft fly in a supporting role. Click here for picture of ALCA 6058 on the Florennes ramp.

All twelve members of Class 03 were granted the Belgian Defence pilot’s licence and the accompanying Wings during a ceremony held at Beauvechain airbase on July 5th, 2006. More detailed information about this first full promotion in the framework of the Franco-Belgian bilateral training scheme can be found in the Baha Special Feature The French Connection II by Jos Schoofs.

Romania is discussing with Belgium Government concerning the possible acquisition of used F-16 fighters to upgrade its ageing air force, the Romanian defence ministry said on July 4. Belgian Defence Minister Andre Flahaut said that no price for the F-16s had been set yet. "The price is a political one, as we want to collaborate with our allies in safety." Romania has a long and proud aviation heritage. Currently the Romanian Air Force is reorganising drastically under the 'Objective Force 2007' program to reach sensible levels of aircraft and personnel. Last April, Jordan already signed a letter of Intent (LoI) for the purchase of these (14) F-16 MLUs from Belgium but now it seems that Romania could possibly acquire them instead.  However U.S. and European defence officials say the Pakistan air force is also still eyeing F-16s formerly owned by the Netherlands and Belgium. Source: F-16.net  -  http://www.investir-roumanie.com  -  Military.com

Following a discussion started on the Touchdown-News Forum it can no be confirmed that the former Florennes airbase Lockheed F-16A FA-08 wreck is now on the dump of Helchteren's Pampa range. Intended as a fire-fighting training object, this could not be materialised on basis of ecological reasons. FA-08 was written off in a crash at Buzet on 28 July 1980 in which the pilot fortunately could eject safely. After that the machine was used for Battle Damage Training at Florennes airbase.  Click here for a picture of FA-08 at Helchteren by Dirk Voortmans.

The 2006 edition of the Koksijde air show was to be the last of the many, at least, that is what the mass media made us believe some time ago. However, what we heard through the grapevine at the annual Airshow Koksijde during the first weekend of July restores our hopes for another full-scale edition in 2007. The planned sale of a part of the airbase apparently got entangled in the complicated cobweb of Belgium’s extremely sophisticated system of laws and regulations which could mean that works will not start before July 2007. Fingers crossed. Anyway, the 2006 edition was once more one to enjoy. An impression by Jos Schoofs & Daniel Brackx can be found here soon.

The acquisition contract for 10 NH90 transport helicopters for the Belgian Defence will be signed in the coming months a representative of the European helicopter builder NHIndustries confirmed during the Koksijde Airshow 2006. During the annual show a NH90 prototype now used as non flying display model was on display. The ten Belgian helicopters will be of three different sub-types. Four of the SAR (Search and Rescue) variant to replace the Westland Seakings of N° 40 Squadron at Koksijde, four optimised for tactical transport and two anti-submarine versions to be embarked on two frigates taken over from the Dutch Navy and replacing as such the three Alouette III helicopters of the Belgian Navy Component. Click here for Jos Schoofs' picture of the NH.90 present at the Koksijde Airshow 2006.

To commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of the Belgian Air Force, Douglas C-47A Skytrain (DC-3A-456) F-AZTE (c/n 9172) has been repainted in a Belgian Air Force colour scheme proposed by BAHA and which did not involve major changes to the existing  Indochina War bar metal colours as requested by the owners. A really good quality picture of K-24/CW-X easily convinced the people responsible for the project (thx Kurt Plyson) and the result gives a striking image of how the Belgian Dakota's appeared in the early days of the Belgian Air Force. Discover this beauty on a special photo page composed with pictures by Stefaan Ellebaut taken at the Koksijde Air Show 2006. 

The famous free satellite picture programme Google Earth has more and more parts of the world covered in detail so aviation enthusiasts discover more and more detailed airfield and associated aircraft. It is even possible to find aircraft in flight and ... identify them. Find out more on the BAHA forum here.

Towards the end of the Koksijde Airshow on Saturday, Seaking RS-05 had to cut short its demonstration to make a precautionary landing after the pilot received a warning of a fire in the left engine. Fortunately the landing was uneventful but the helicopter is u/s for the moment. Source: Baha News, picture of RS-05 taken on Friday 30/06.