On Saturday and Sunday, May 27th and 28th, 2023, Melsbroek Air Base opened its doors to the public to celebrate its 75th anniversary. As a Youth Ambassador, I was invited and had the amazing opportunity to fly in the A400M.
The open day offered a wide range of activities for the public, and with perfect weather, it attracted a large number of visitors. The event featured numerous displays, including an impressive demonstration by the special forces in the A400M, and police helicopter showcases throughout the day. On the ground, there were plenty of static displays, including another A400M from the Belgian Air Force and a C130 from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Visitors had the chance to tour the inside of these aircraft and chat with the crews. But the event wasn’t limited to these two planes—many other aircraft were also on display.
The side activities were equally impressive, with stands from various organizations related to or part of the Air Force. It was the perfect mix of education and entertainment.
For us, the day was particularly special as we got to participate in the special forces demonstration flight aboard the A400M. It was an incredible experience, though definitely not for those with weak stomachs—the sharp maneuvers and steep turns could easily make you queasy! (Luckily, I didn’t get sick 😉)
Visitors also had the chance to win a flight in the A400M, and even if they didn’t win, they could join the ‘reserve’ line, with a good chance of getting on board. These lucky passengers flew to the coast, where the cargo door was opened, and some even got to sit on the ramp for a unique view.
There’s probably more that I’m forgetting, but the point is—it was an amazing weekend, and I’m glad I got to share it with my fellow ambassadors.
