Airbus in Belgium

Central to European aerospace

Satellite image of Brussels from Pléiades Neo

Our local presence in the region

Airbus has fostered a strong, integrated presence in Belgium over the past two decades, combining expertise from Airbus Commercial, Helicopters, and Defence and Space. This commitment is bolstered by collaborations with local partners; Belgium excels as a leading supplier of diverse technologies to Airbus, consistently ranking high among EU nations with its well-developed aviation and space industry.

Around 200 Airbus employees work across Belgium, with offices in Brussels for EU public affairs, Diegem for Airbus Defence and Space operations, and Nivelles at Euro Heat Pipes, where Airbus Defence and Space holds a majority share. Belgium actively invests in major Airbus programmes like A400M and FCAS, plus European space initiatives. As a key strategic hub, it champions international collaborations in defense, cybersecurity, and space.

Our products and services

In Belgium, Airbus offers a wide array of services, spanning critical communication, cybersecurity, and aircraft and helicopter maintenance. To ensure the delivery of tailored solutions, our local team operates with a "glocal" approach, seamlessly integrating the robust capabilities of Airbus' central organisations with our dedicated local presence.

A320neo Brussels Airlines MSN11600 taking off

Commercial Aircraft in Belgium

Our products and services

Airbus Commercial's presence in Belgium is notably represented by Brussels Airlines, whose fleet comprises fifteen A319s, ten A320s, ten A330s, and five A350s, highlighting the airline's significant reliance on Airbus aircraft. Brussels Airlines is actively modernising its passenger fleet with A320neos for enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Beyond Brussels Airlines, other Belgian operators also utilize Airbus aircraft, including Air Belgium with its A330 freighters. The broad adoption strengthens Belgium's global connectivity and supports its aviation ecosystem through operations and maintenance at key hubs such as Brussels Airport.

H145M abseiling demonstration

Helicopters in Belgium

Our products and services

Airbus Helicopters significantly enhances Belgium's defense and security capabilities. It operates the NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for land transport and the NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) for naval missions. Airbus Helicopters locally supports the NH90 TTH Heavy/Combat fleet. This includes technical assistance, logistic, and MRO support, ensuring operational readiness.

In 2024, Belgium selected the multi-role H145M helicopter for its armed forces and Federal Police. The H145M's robust, reconfigurable design makes it a key asset, ensuring interoperability between Belgian Defence and Federal Police, and reinforcing Belgium's commitment to modern, efficient security forces.

A400M Belgium - Luxembourg

Defence and Space in Belgium

Our products and services

Belgium has substantially enhanced its strategic and tactical airlift capabilities with the acquisition of seven A400M aircraft, complemented by an active A400M Training Centre in Melsbroek for Be-Lux pilots. Additionally, Belgium is a key participant in NATO's Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fleet (MMF), operating Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, with commitments for multiple aircraft based at Eindhoven Air Base.

Euro Heat Pipes (EHP), majority-owned by Airbus Defence and Space, is leading the world commercial and institutional space market, specialised in advanced cooling solutions for spacecraft. EHP design, produce, and test thermal and mechanical systems using two-phase heat transfer technology, like heat pipes and loop heat pipes. EHP also develops deployable equipment for spacecraft, including deployable radiators and propulsion pointing systems.

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Public Safety & Security in Belgium

Airbus is a key partner in Belgium's Public Safety and Security sector. It provides critical communication networks for emergency and security services, supporting ASTRID, Belgium's national communication system for public safety, and is advancing broadband solutions with partners like Proximus. Furthermore, Airbus' cybersecurity arm, Airbus Protect, delivers essential cybersecurity services to government and critical infrastructure, enhancing national security and resilience.

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