Belgian flight school Skywings invests €1.2 million in quieter, more efficient training aircraft

Belgian flight school Skywings Flight Training is investing €1.2 million in new aircraft to modernise its fleet and reduce noise emissions at Antwerp Airport. The company is acquiring a Diamond DA40 NG single-engine aircraft (OO-SKS) and a quieter twin-engine Diamond DA42 VI (OO-SKT), replacing older aircraft as part of a broader fleet renewal programme.

Skywings says the new twin-engine aircraft meets local airport noise standards, allowing more training to remain at Antwerp instead of relocating to other airfields. The school argues this will improve training efficiency while reducing unnecessary repositioning flights and associated CO2 emissions.

The company also plans to streamline its fleet with newer, more available aircraft and says the investment aligns pilot training with the advanced cockpit technology used by modern airlines. Airport and city officials welcomed the move as supporting sustainable aviation growth and maintaining high-quality pilot training in Belgium.

Looking ahead, Skywings is also preparing for the potential introduction of electric training aircraft within the next five years, depending on advances in battery performance and charging infrastructure.