The only annual international airshow in Belgium celebrates its 40th birthday this year. The Sanicole Airshow takes place on 8 and 10 September at Aeroclub Sanicole in Hechtel-Eksel, near the Dutch and German borders in the East of Belgium. The organisation uses this anniversary to treat the 40,000 visitors to more spectacle, fun and “wow” moments than ever before. In addition, there will be an exhibtion about the rich history of this renowned and award-winning airshow.

The International Sanicole Airshow is an annual airshow organised by Aeroclub Sanicole in cooperation with the Belgian Air Force. It is the only civilian aviation show in Belgium that is organised annually. In 2010, the event won the Paul Bowen Award for Best European Airshow during the European Airshow Council Convention. The Sanicole Airshow stands for a total spectacle and is a very well-known event within the global air display community.

Airshow Director Geoffrey Buekenberghs: “From a stuntshow in the seventies we have become a leading international aviation event. We focus on innovation, quality and safety. Every year we show new acts. And that pays off, because we have a very loyal audience at home and abroad, but every year, we also attract new spectators.”

 

Two dimensions to the Sanicole Airshow

At  the International Sanicole Airshow spectators get to enjoy the best of aviation over two days with two very different displays on Friday 8th and Sunday 10th September.

During the Sanicole Sunset Airshow on Friday,  you will experience a breathtaking and magical show at sunset. Aerobatic teams, jets, old-timers and helicopters impress with their dizzying stunts, demonstrations and aerobatics. Top entertainment, unique in Europe.

On Sunday, visitors will be fully immersed in the spirit of aviation. Spectacular demonstrations of jets, old-timers, helicopters and parachutists, together with the impressive stunts of international teams and gliders, will keep the audience staring at the sky. Geoffrey says: “Just about all aspects of aviation are presented. To entertain the youngest spectators, we also offer a lot of showground animation. They can meet their heroes, the pilots, or sit in a helicopter or jet. And just to be clear: they will stay on the ground.”

 

2017 Highlights

We always try to surprise our visitors. Geoffrey: “As an organisation, you’re always looking for new acts and teams. This year, the Finnish, Swedish and Greek air forces participate in the Sanicole Airshow for the first time. And we are also very proud to welcome the Saudi Hawks, a team that you can only rarely see in Europe.”

The Saudi Hawks are the ‘Royal Saudi Air Force aerobatic team’. The team consists of seven green and white BAe Hawks equipped with white, red, blue and green smoke generators. The Saudi Hawks are part of the 88 squadron, based at King Faisal airbase in Tabuk. Their demonstration is a true experience for young and old and includes spectacular formations, aerial art and aerobatics.

Lieutenant-colonel Mosa Al Faifi: “We chose to participate in the Sanicole Airshow based on the friendship and cooperation between our two nations. We think it’s fantastic to meet pilots and display teams from all over Europe and to exchange experiences. After the airshow in Belgium, we will head to the Czech Republic and Malta. We look forward to represent our kingdom in Europe.”

For more information on this year’s exciting airshow and to buy tickets – please visit http://www.sanicole.com