The 21st of July always holds a special place on my calendar, and for the second year in a row, I got to experience it from above—this time in an A400M. As part of the Air Force Youth Ambassador program, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the military parade, not just watching from the ground but soaring through Belgian skies. (If you’re curious about the tradition and last year’s experience in the NH90, check out that story [here].)
Our day began at Melsbroek Air Base, the military section right next to Brussels Airport. There’s always a buzz in the air on National Holiday mornings, but stepping into the spacious interior of the A400M made it all feel even more real. The sheer size of the aircraft is impressive—a true workhorse of the skies.
We started with some safety procedures, but soon, we were airborne! The engines roaring to life as we took off for a flight that would last over two hours. The highlight? I got to sit in the cockpit multiple times, including when we flew over Brussels. A very special moment, since you normally wouldn’t be able to fly above the capital this low!
We flew in a tight formation with two other A400Ms, which made for some amazing views. After we passed over Brussels, the crew opened the rear ramp of the aircraft. The wind whipped through the cabin, and seeing the open sky behind us was an incredible sight. Some of the other passenger got the chance to sit on the ramp and have a look at the other aircraft in the formation and the landscape below us.
Eventually, it was time to head back. We touched down safely at Melsbroek, and I caught up with the other ambassadors—Adam, Herlinde, and Arno. We shared our experiences and a lot of smiles, talking about the highlights of the flight and the unforgettable views.
All in all, it was an amazing day. Flying in formation, sitting in the cockpit, and being part of the National Holiday celebration from the air is something I’ll never take for granted.
A huge thank you to the Air Force and the entire crew for making it all possible. I’ll be remembering this one for a long time!
Would you like to know what the day looked like in real life? You can now watch the video on YouTube!
