Belgium’s oldest flying club, the Royal Antwerp Aviation Club (RAAC), has added a new Robin DR400 155CDI aircraft to its fleet, further modernising its operations while reducing noise and fuel consumption. The 2021-built aircraft emits 5.2 dB less noise than the older Piper aircraft it replaces, providing a noticeable benefit for residents near Antwerp Airport.
The acquisition marks another step in the club’s fleet renewal programme. Three of the RAAC’s five aircraft are now less than five years old, making it one of the country’s most modern training fleets. The club has a long history of innovation, having become Belgium’s first flight school in 2006 to operate a new training aircraft powered by Jet A1 fuel instead of Avgas.
Approaching its 99th anniversary, the RAAC currently counts more than 200 members and 25 student pilots training for a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). Looking ahead, the club is closely monitoring developments in electric aviation and sees electric training aircraft as a realistic future option once battery performance and operational endurance improve.
Antwerp Airport has welcomed the investment, highlighting it as an example of how regional airports can support sustainable aviation through quieter aircraft and the testing of emerging technologies, including electric flight.