OSTEND-BRUGES AIRPORT
| Date | Flight | Scheduled | Destination | Terminal | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB1171 | 06:00 | Alicante | Departed at 06:16 |
| Date | Flight | Scheduled | Origin | Terminal | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB1172 | 11:50 | Alicante |
| Date | Flight | Scheduled | Destination | Terminal | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB1171 | 06:00 | Alicante | Departed at 06:16 |
| Date | Flight | Scheduled | Origin | Terminal | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB1172 | 11:50 | Alicante |
Belgian aviation fuel supplier UPLIFT INTERNATIONAL has taken over all fuel activities at Ostend-Bruges Airport. “With the acquisition of TNA Services by UPLIFT, we welcome a team of aviation fuel experts committed to reducing the CO₂ emissions of our airport,” says CEO Eric Dumas.
The acquisition provides new opportunities for the further development of the airport, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. UPLIFT INTERNATIONAL is known for its commitment to sustainable aviation and will play an essential role in promoting sustainable activities at our airport with this new agreement.
Pieter Van Espen, Managing Director at UPLIFT, emphasizes: “Our ambition to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation is an integral part of our operations. We are committed to introducing the supply of sustainable aviation fuels and investing in the renovation and expansion of our fuel infrastructure using environmentally friendly technologies.”
Eric Dumas, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport, says: “This collaboration is an essential step in our journey towards more sustainable airport operations. We have entered into a long-term concession agreement with UPLIFT and look forward to further sustainability efforts together.”
Installations ready for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
During the extensive renovation works on the airport’s runway, UPLIFT also carried out maintenance and renovation works on their tank installations without disrupting air traffic. “In this way, the installations are ready for the future, with Sustainable Aviation Fuel expected to play an important role in the short term,” says Van Espen.
UPLIFT INTERNATIONAL provides fuel supply for all aircraft at the airport, and this agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to a more sustainable aviation industry.
About UPLIFT INTERNATIONAL Holding BV
UPLIFT INTERNATIONAL Holding BV is a Belgium-based company founded with the ambition to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. UPLIFT offers future-proof and flexible aviation fuel solutions based on thorough domain expertise. Well-considered projects and collaborations aim to enable UPLIFT’s active involvement in various parts of the aviation fuel chain. UPLIFT is currently expanding its expert team to create a center of expertise with domain experts with proven world-class experience and provides engineering, strategic, and management services at several locations in Belgium, the rest of Europe, and APAC. Additionally, UPLIFT is actively working on several ambitious sustainability projects in the field of aviation fuel, fuels, and other sustainable products.
Over the past year, Ostend-Bruges Airport welcomed 386,000 passengers, a 4.6% increase compared to 2022. In 2023, the airport also took significant steps in cargo transport, General Aviation, and innovation. “Amidst global challenges, we continue to prove the economic value our airport provides every day,” says CEO Eric Dumas.
In 2023, the airport welcomed 386,387 passengers, a slight increase of 4.6% compared to 2022. “We’ve had a successful period,” says CEO Eric Dumas. “In 2023, we reintroduced Antalya to our flight offerings, positively impacting passenger numbers. This year, we are reintroducing Egyptian destinations Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada to the flight schedule.”
Travelers in 2024 will have a choice of 14 destinations, with the airport actively working to further expand the number of destinations.
Investing in cargo activities
Regarding cargo transport, the airport reports a cargo volume of 33,000 tons, significantly lower than 2022 (51,000 tons). “After several exceptionally strong years in cargo transport, global economic developments led to a decrease in demand for air freight. The increase in passenger flights also resulted in fewer flights with only cargo on board,” explains CEO Eric Dumas. “This decline in Ostend is further influenced by the sudden departure of Qatar Airways Cargo in April 2023.”
Despite this expected downturn, the airport continues to invest in its cargo activities. In 2023, the new Versluys cargo warehouse of 12,000 m2 was completed, offering new possibilities for the further development of cargo activities. Currently, the airport is in discussions with various parties to further exploit this space in 2024, strengthening the airport’s position as a cargo airport.
Hub for humanitarian aid
Over the past year, the airport played a crucial role in facilitating flights with humanitarian aid. More than 20 humanitarian missions departed from Ostend to destinations such as Turkey, Libya, and Gaza. The airport demonstrates its commitment to international relief efforts and provides its facilities to quickly and efficiently respond to urgent humanitarian needs. These collaborations have further positioned the airport as a crucial hub for emergency aid worldwide.
General Aviation and innovation
The past year has seen significant progress in General Aviation (i.e., all non-scheduled commercial civilian aviation, ranging from business flights to recreational aviation). In 2022, twelve new hangars for General Aviation were inaugurated, with 75% of them sold or rented by the end of 2023. These facilities have not only strengthened existing activities but also attracted new players in the aviation sector. “In line with our focus on innovation, we have entered into a collaboration with Vives and Drone Dock, addressing the growing possibilities of drone technology and contributing to the offshore wind energy project of DIOL,” adds Eric Dumas.
Temporary closure between January 25 and March 27 for runway and taxiway renovation
From January 25 to March 27, the airport will be closed for renovation works on the runway and taxiway. This temporary closure allows LOM, the infrastructure manager of the airport, to improve the infrastructure and ensure the safety of all operations. The renovation of the runway and taxiway will particularly result in a significant reduction in noise and CO2 emissions for larger aircraft, as these planes will require less engine power. “From late March, we will be ready to welcome our passengers again and look forward to a successful continuation of our operations,” concludes Eric Dumas.
OOSTENDE – In response to the devastating floods in Libya, a humanitarian flight left Ostend-Bruges Airport Friday morning bound for Benghazi. The flight is carrying more than 40 tons of essential medical supplies, intended to assist thousands of affected people in the region. The humanitarian aid transport is the result of a seamless collaboration between Egyptair Cargo, Skyline, UNICEF, Ostend-Bruges Airport and handling agent Aviapartner.
On board the plane is more than 40 tons of essential medical equipment. The shipment is invaluable to local healthcare facilities and local people, who are facing severe shortages due to the floods. “We are proud that together with all partners we can play a meaningful role in this way,” said CEO Eric Dumas.
Ostend-Bruges Airport has proven its crucial role in humanitarian missions several times in the past. The airport’s efficiency, flexibility and rapid handling procedure ensure that aid can be on the ground quickly when it is needed most. Earlier this year, aid was provided to Turkey, which was hit by earthquakes. Late last year, the airport played a central role in several aid missions to Haiti. And in 2021, the airport facilitated the delivery of oxygen tanks to India, in their fight against the corona crisis.
In May, Ostend-Bruges Airport welcomed a record breaking 42 thousand passengers, which is 30% more than in May 2022 and even 1.2% above the result of 2019. “This demonstrates the dynamism of the airport’s catchment area, which continues to grow and whose population has a high propensity to travel”, says CEO Eric Dumas.
From all passengers who passed through Ostend-Bruges Airport in May, over 39.500 travelled with TUI fly. The amount of TUI fly passengers increased by 32% compared to last year, and is up 13% compared to 2019, which was our best year this far. For the first time since 2019, passengers can once again fly to Antalya (Turkiye). With almost every seat booked last month, the restart of this route has been a great succes.
“We’re happy to see that so many passengers find their way to Ostend-Bruges Airport. Last month we served 12 routes and over 90% of all seats were occupied. This demonstrates the dynamism of the airport’s catchment area, which continues to grow and whose population has a high propensity to travel”, says CEO Eric Dumas.
With short walking distances, nearby parkings and short waiting times Ostend-Bruges Airport is able to convince the largest amount of travellers in May since TUI fly started its operations in Ostend. “Travellers are increasingly seeking alternatives to busy airports and Ostend-Bruges Airport can insure its passengers of a stress-free departure. We make every effort to ensure that travellers can start their holidays right here at the airport.”
The airport expects that the amout of people traveling via OST Airport will continue to grow in the next months.
Ostend-Bruges International Airport will become Belgium’s second largest soler panel park in Belgium. Energy company EnergyVision is installing 66,200 solar panels on the grounds of the airport. The panels have a total capacity of over 40MWp. The airport is thus making its own energy consumption, that of Antwerp Airport and that of almost 10,000 Ostend families 100% green.
From the autumn of 2023 the energy company EnergyVision will start installing 66,200 solar panels at Ostend-Bruges Airport. EnergyVision, which is responsible for installation, maintenance and financing, is investing 35 million euros in the installation of the solar panel park. The solar panels at the airport will account for an annual production of nearly 37,000 MWh. The production of solar energy will also save 9,600 tons of CO2 on an annual basis.
Green power for the airport and the neighborhood
The generated energy will initially be used to supply electricity for the entire airport site. Thanks to this project, the airport can operate on 100% green electricity. However, with an annual electricity production of almost 37,000 MWh, the airport will generate much more electricity than it can consume itself. Therefore, part of the green power generated will be diverted to Antwerp Airport. The remaining power generated will go directly to local residents.
“In addition to greening our own power consumption, the remaining energy we get from the solar panels will be able to be used by nearly 10,000 families in the area. For us it is important that our neighbors can also benefit from this,” says Eric Dumas CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport.
In a next phase, energy storage capabilities will also be added. EnergyVision and Ostend-Bruges Airport are also already looking into the further future. Here, the installation of kinetic tiles is being investigated whereby travelers can generate their own electricity as they step. In this way, they literally get on the plane full of energy.
More than 60 soccer fiels full of solar panels
The solar panels will be placed at three different locations at the airport. The two largest zones are located on the airport’s grass areas next to the runway. The third zone is located on aircraft parking Apron 2. The zone where passengers walk from the gates to the aircraft will be completely covered and roofed with solar panels. This allows passengers to walk to the aircraft in comfort even when it is raining and also generates energy. The total area of the solar park is about 303,864 m2. That corresponds to 61 soccer fields full of solar panels. Ostend-Bruges Airport thus becomes the second largest solar park in Belgium.
Sustainability objectives Ostend-Bruges Airport
In the context of sustainable development, Ostend-Bruges Airport wants to further commit to its sustainable ambitions and further develop into a modern mobility center. “Every new, green and innovative decision we take also has a positive impact on economic growth in the region. With this, the airport aims to create added value not only for travelers by focusing on smooth and fast service, but also for its environment,” said CEO Eric Dumas.
The introduction of solar energy at the airport is an important step to further reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. We are actively participating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, which aims to make airports worldwide carbon neutral by 2050. With this project, the airport is immediately taking a big step in the right direction.
Pictures: (c) EnergyVision
Ostend-Bruges International Airport has activated the Inspection Management App on its community system, the OST Cargo Cloud powered by Nallian. The application facilitates the coordination and execution of actions involved in the process for all stakeholders. The digital approach shortens turnaround times, provides visibility and transparency for the food safety authority (FAVV/AFSCA) and freight forwarders, and ultimately protects shelf life.
A uniform, digital approach connecting all stakeholders
The Inspection Management app gives freight forwarders, inspection point operators and local food safety authorities a uniform, digital way to coordinate and execute inspection of perishables. With the mobile and desktop app they efficiently plan and execute all actions, digitally share the documentation and certificates, and have real-time status visibility. The application is integrated with TRACES, the European Commission’s digital certification and management platform for all sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, which reduces and facilitates data input.
Eric Dumas, CEO Ostend-Bruges International Airport, says: “The Inspection Management app helps us to further increase the quality and speed of our cargo handling, which are important differentiators for our airport. We are proud to offer the logistics parties at our hub an efficient way of working that benefits all actors and, ultimately, the end consumer.”
Jean Verheyen, CEO Nallian, adds: Ostend-Bruges International Airport illustrates that also smaller airports benefit from a digital way of working. We are proud to empower them, and by extension the other airports and ports in Belgium using the app, with an efficient and uniform inspection process.
From Tuesday 28/2 Parking 1 will be closed for three weeks due to renovation works. Parking L.O. nv, the car park operator, will provide a second entrance to the car park. These renovation works are being carried out as part of the airport’s new traffic plan and are necessary to ensure good service to travellers in the future. The works will be ready before the start of the Easter holidays, which this year start on 1 April.
Car park 2 and 3 will remain available. Here too, everyone can park for free for 20 minutes (Kiss & Fly).
We apologise for the inconvenience.
On Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 February, more than 100 tons of relief goods left Ostend-Bruges Airport for Istanbul, Turkiye. From there, the goods will be further distributed in the impacted regions. The goods on board of Egyptair Cargo’s two A330 cargo planes included blankets, clothing, tents, emergency generators and medical equipment.
Partners Skyline Air Services and Egyptair Cargo selflessly joined forces for these humanitarian flights. The airport and handler Aviapartner also gave their full support and cooperation for the fast handling of these urgent flights.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the recent earthquakes. Ostend-Bruges Airport wants to make its contribution to those in need by doing everything possible to make these humane flights possible. Together with all partners, we therefore do this selflessly,” says CEO Eric Dumas.
Dear travelers,
From January 9, 2023 until February 21, 2023, the Nieuwpoortsesteenweg between house numbers 590 and 602 will be closed in both directions due to road works.
HOW TO REACH NSAC COMING FROM OSTEND
Those who want to reach NSAC from Ostend will have to follow a detour. From our airport you can follow these routes:
Dear travelers,
From January 9, 2023 to February 17, 2023, the Nieuwpoortsesteenweg between house numbers 590 and 602 will be closed in both directions due to road works.
HOW TO REACH THE AIRPORT AND NSAC COMING FROM MIDDELKERKE
Those who want to reach the airport from Middelkerke will have to detour. You can use the following route:
Those who want to drive to the North Sea Aviation Center from Middelkerke do not have to follow the detour. You can take the Nieuwpoortsesteenweg to do so. Work will only begin past the NSAC buildings.
HOW TO REACH NSAC COMING FROM OOSTENDE
Those who want to reach NSAC from Ostend will have to follow a detour. From our airport you can follow these routes:
