The vision memorandum of the Flemish government states that the regional airports must contribute to the training of pilots.
The political party Groen expressed their concern about the high percentage of domestic flights from Deurne airport. More than seventy percent of the flights at this airport are domestic flights, and it is striking that 80% of these flights start and end in Deurne. While the party and its national co-chair, Nadia Naji, see these figures as worrying, it is essential to look at the bigger picture, especially in light of the economy and employment.
Deurne Airport, officially known as Antwerp International Airport, is one of the main regional airports in Belgium. The domestic flights from Deurne are not just for recreation. A large part of these flights are aimed at training purposes, which are essential for pilot training. So it's not as simple as letting taxpayers' money "fly through the air", like Naji suggests in the Gazet van Antwerp. Pilot training is vital to the aviation industry, a sector that makes a significant contribution to the Belgian economy.
While caring for the environment is an absolute priority, we should not ignore the initiatives that are being taken to reduce the ecological footprint of aviation. As Wouter Dewulf, transport economist at the University of Antwerp, points out, electric flying offers a potential alternative to short-haul flights that are often operated by private jets. Such innovations can help to balance economic and environmental interests.
Georges Gilkinet, the Belgian Federal Government Minister of Mobility, is working on a complete ban on domestic flights. The majority of these flights, namely 7 out of 10, are operated by private jets. Secretary Gilkinet considers this “an aberration, both ecologically and economically.” However, not everyone is enthusiastic about this idea, including Wouter Dewulf, a transport economist at the University of Antwerp.
Apart from training flights, Deurne airport plays other vital roles. There are inspection flights over important infrastructure, such as the port of Antwerp. In addition, there are flights aimed at capturing major events, such as the Tour of Flanders. It should also be noted that some commercial flights between Belgian airports, such as those of TUI Fly from Antwerp to Brussels, are essential for maintenance purposes.
While the Green party's concerns are legitimate in light of the environmental impact of aviation, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach. Deurne Airport fulfills various roles that are important both economically and socially. It would be short-sighted to ignore this airport's contribution to the economy and employment based on a single facet of its operations. A more holistic approach, stimulating both innovation and economic growth, will lead to more sustainable solutions for all involved.
educations
As mentioned earlier, training flights are a crucial part of the activities in Deurne. These trainings contribute to the education of the next generation of pilots. Without regional airports offering such services, Belgium might be more dependent on foreign training facilities, which would increase costs for students and training organisations. In a world that strives for sustainability, local airports are also potential centers of innovation. They can serve as test sites for new technologies, such as electric flight. With the right investments and focus, these airports can be at the forefront of the green aviation revolution.
airport
The airport was founded in the 20s. Since then it has gone through several phases of development and expansion. The airport has one terminal and offers both business and leisure flights. In addition, it provides general aviation facilities, including flight training. Although it is a regional airport, Antwerp International Airport offers connections to several European destinations. The airport is served by a number of airlines, mainly offering short to medium-haul routes.
