• EASP AIR BV and Ostend-Bruges Airport have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a 4,900+ m² hangar and office complex, replacing outdated facilities on Apron 2.
• The project includes two large hangars, each with a three-story office tower, serving as the operational base for EASP AIR’s Special Mission Expertise Centre.
• The centre will support specialised aviation operations, including coast guard missions, aerial firefighting, and disaster response across the North Sea and Europe.
• Facilities will accommodate DO328 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, larger jets like the Bombardier Global 7500, and maintenance for business and regional military aircraft in collaboration with JetSupport.
• The development strengthens Ostend-Bruges Airport’s strategic position, creates local employment, fosters synergy with educational institutions, and enhances MRO, logistics, and training capabilities.

In early August, EASP AIR BV and Ostend-Bruges Airport signed a Letter of Intent for the development of a state-of-the-art hangar and office complex. The project includes two spacious hangars, each equipped with a three-story office tower. The new facility will be centrally located on Apron 2, replacing the existing outdated structures. The total surface area of the new site will amount to over 4,900 square meters.

“With this project, we are taking a significant step towards the renewal and modernisation of our airport,” said Nathan De Valck, CEO of Ostend-Bruges Airport. “We aim to achieve sustainable growth by investing in multiple strategic pillars.” For EASP AIR, the development marks a major milestone. “Our choice for Ostend is a deliberate one,” explained Pieter Voeten, CEO of EASP AIR. “We recognise the strong ambitions of Ostend-Bruges Airport, which align perfectly with our own growth strategy. Its strategic location and infrastructure make it the ideal base for our Special Mission Expertise Centre.”

The planned centre will focus on specialised aviation operations with societal relevance, including coast guard missions, aerial firefighting, and disaster response support. Thanks to its strategic location and excellent facilities, Ostend-Bruges Airport offers an ideal base for such operations in the North Sea and wider region. From this location, EASP AIR will continue to efficiently and professionally support its key end-users – including the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX).

Strategic Partnership

The arrival of EASP AIR strengthens the airport’s position. “By investing not only in passenger and cargo flights but also in MRO activities (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul), we are creating additional employment opportunities in West Flanders and enhancing the innovative and specialised character of our airport,” De Valck added. “Moreover, synergies are emerging with other airport partners, such as VIVES, in the context of technical training programs.”

EASP AIR also sees significant growth potential: “Thanks to the strategic location near the coast and national borders, and the existing facilities in Ostend, we can fully support our operations across Europe and the UK in terms of maintenance, logistics, and training,” said Pieter Voeten. “The presence of strong educational institutions in the region also creates opportunities for all stakeholders involved.”

Maintenance and Logistics Facilities

The new hangars and office spaces will serve as the operational base for EASP AIR’s fleet of DO328 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, offering secure parking and comprehensive maintenance capabilities. Additionally, the facilities will support maintenance activities in collaboration with EASP AIR’s partner, JetSupport. JetSupport’s maintenance support will primarily focus on business jets and regional military training aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-7 and PC-21.

The hangars are designed with ample capacity to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Bombardier Global 7500, during scheduled maintenance operations. Furthermore, the site will feature bonded warehousing, secure storage areas, and a dedicated shipments department to support logistical operations. Office space will be shared by EASP AIR NL/UK, JetSupport, and existing tenants already active at Ostend-Bruges Airport, fostering synergy and operational efficiency within the airport’s aviation cluster.