Will firefighting aircraft soon be built in Ostend?

It would be a boost for the airport, especially after the disappearance of Aerocircular last year, a company that dismantles aircraft.

“Our plan is in the final straight line to a decision. There were several possible locations in Europe where the assembly of this device could continue. At the moment there are still three possible locations. Two in France and one, of course, here with us in Belgium, in Ostend,” says Luc Stultjens of Roadfour Firefighting Aircraft.

Since this week, Roadfour already has an office at Ostend airport. If the factory is built, the development of the aircraft will take years. And that is why it is also important that the sea is close by. This way they can easily scoop water during testing. In the long term, the company could employ 1,000 people.

Many aircraft engineers also graduate in Ostend. That can be an asset. According to Roadfour, forest fire aircraft are becoming increasingly important due to climate change. The decision on the location will probably be made before March.