Key Partner in the New Basic Pilot Training Program for Belgian Defense

Sabena Engineering: Key Partner in the New Basic Pilot Training Program for Belgian Defense

Following the award of the public contract for the new Basic Flight Training Capability (BFTC) to Pilatus, Sabena Engineering is pleased to announce its central role in implementing this strategic program for Belgian Defense.

This 20-year service contract aims to replace the Marchetti SF-260 training aircraft, which have been in service for over 55 years, with a modern integrated training solution based on the Pilatus PC-7 MKX.

The contract also includes an infrastructure component, with the construction of a modern Training Center comprising a school and a maintenance hangar.

Regarding the supply and maintenance of aircraft, Sabena Engineering, with the support of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, will be responsible for technician training, airworthiness management (CAMO), aircraft and simulation system maintenance, as well as the daily operational availability of the fleet and associated equipment (including during deployments).

“This program is an essential capability for Belgian Defense,” said Stéphane Burton, CEO of Sabena Engineering. “We are proud to contribute to the training of future military pilots while creating sustainable, highly skilled jobs in Belgium.”

The implementation of the contract will generate approximately 50 direct jobs over the next twenty years, benefiting Belgium’s industrial ecosystem and local employment.

This project also continues a strong industrial cooperation between Pilatus and the Orizio Group, of which Sabena Engineering is a part. This collaboration notably builds on the experience of SABCA Morocco, responsible for assembling Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, confirming the mutual trust between the two companies.

Sabena Engineering will also be involved in the Infrastructure DBFM (Design Build Finance Maintain) component of the project as a partner of AG Real Estate. This part of the project covers the construction, provision, and maintenance of facilities (school – classrooms, administrative offices, and common areas – and maintenance hangar).

The new infrastructure and aircraft are scheduled to enter service in 2028, when the first student pilots will begin training on this new platform. In addition to basic training, the PC-7 MKX will also support other Defense capabilities, including training Joint Forward Air Controllers and conducting adversary simulation missions (Adversary Air – Red Air).

* Artist impression of the future hangar*

“This contract is much more than a simple technical modernization: it illustrates the value of public-private partnerships in the defense sector and the direct contribution of Defense investments to Belgium’s economy and skills,” added Stéphane Burton.

With this new milestone, Sabena Engineering reaffirms its strategic role as a trusted industrial partner for Belgian Defense and its tangible contribution to societal returns from public investments in security and training.

• Website: https://sabena-engineering.com
• Press Contact: Communication Department, Alexia Grabowski: alexia.grabowski@sabena-engineering.com