Pushing boundaries

In the 1930s, many boundaries were pushed. The development of aviation went at a rapid pace and the aircraft became bigger and faster. Flying also provided unprecedented opportunities for reaching remote and lesser-known areas.

For Belgium the opportunity to reach its colony....

The airport was now part of a network connecting European cities. But to fly planes you also have to train pilots. The Antwerp Aviation Club fulfilled this task and several prominent figures made their appearance: among them Father Leon Bradfer who followed a pilot training with a colleague in 1937 before departing with two aircraft for the missions in the Belgian Congo. And then there was the Hansez-Fester couple, who flew from Antwerp to Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) on March 24, 1934.

On their return on April 11, they were honored by Antwerp Mayor Camille Huysmans. A new biplane was built at Stampe and Vertongen, which still writes history: the SV-4. Several air meetings were also organised. In 1938 we saw the first Douglas DC-3's arriving by ship in the port of Antwerp. They were assembled by Fokker personnel at Antwerp Airport. Due to the imminent threat of war, military pilots were stationed at Antwerp airport.

Belgium was ready...