Belgian PM’s Son Flies in Iconic Air Force Training Jet
Simon De Wever, the son of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, fulfilled a lifelong dream on Saturday when he took to the skies in a Fouga Magister — a former Belgian Air Force training jet from 1960 — during the 31st edition of the Stampe Forever Fly In at Antwerp International Airport in Deurne. The two-day event, revived after a one-year hiatus, celebrates vintage aircraft and Belgian aviation heritage, drawing aviation enthusiasts from across Europe.
A Dream Come True
For Simon De Wever, the flight was the culmination of a childhood ambition inspired by cinema. “Since I saw ‘Top Gun’, this has always been my dream,” he told VTM NIEUWS before takeoff, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws. “Now it’s time for the real experience.”
The aircraft in question, a Fouga Magister CM.170, is a French-designed twin-jet trainer that first flew in 1952 and became the world’s first mass-produced jet trainer. With its distinctive V-tail design, it served as a training workhorse for the Belgian Air Force and many other air forces worldwide. The specific jet flown by Simon De Wever was built in 1960 and served with the Belgian Air Force.
A Father’s Sacrifice
Prime Minister Bart De Wever, who has a well-known personal interest in aviation and traditionally takes an annual flight at the event, attended to watch his son rather than fly himself. “I get to fly in something every year, but I’ve been pushed off my throne by my son who asked if he could take my place,” De Wever told VTM NIEUWS. “I couldn’t say no.”
The Prime Minister also shared a photo of the moment on his Instagram account, offering a rare personal glimpse into the family life of Belgium’s head of government.
A Revived Tradition
The Stampe Forever Fly In returned this year after a one-year hiatus in 2024, when the 30th edition organized by Danny Cabooter was not held. A new team comprising Dirk Spitaels, Dommy Van Den Heuvel, and Bernard Van Milders revived the event under the name “Stampe Forever Fly.”
According to The Brussels Times, this year’s edition celebrates both the iconic Stampe-Vertongen SV.4 — a Belgian two-seat trainer biplane designed in Antwerp in the 1930s — and the 80th anniversary of the Belgian Air Force. Approximately 50 vintage aircraft were on display, with 20 still airworthy and taking to the skies throughout the weekend.
Highlights of the Event
Beyond the De Wever family’s involvement, the event featured several notable moments. Lambert Crommen, celebrating his 80th birthday, received a flight in a Stampe & Vertongen 4, a 1933 sport aircraft. “It was beautiful. Very pleasant flying and moreover lovely to see the city like that,” he told HLN.
Pilot and mechanic Bruno Bedert, who flew wearing a parachute, expressed full confidence in the vintage aircraft. “But I have full confidence in it, otherwise I wouldn’t get in,” he said.
A major attraction was the presence of an Airbus A400M transport plane, open for public boarding in celebration of the Belgian Air Force’s 80th anniversary. Other legendary aircraft on display included the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Sea Fury, and P40 Warhawk.
Public Reception
The story generated significant reader engagement, with public reaction split between those celebrating the family moment and those raising questions about privilege. Supportive comments highlighted the Prime Minister’s hard work and the importance of family time, while others noted that not all children have access to such experiences. Aviation enthusiasts, meanwhile, provided historical context about the Fouga Magister and its role in the Belgian “Red Devils” aerobatic team.
Looking Ahead
The successful revival of the Stampe Forever Fly In under new organization suggests a sustainable future for the cherished local tradition. With its blend of vintage aircraft displays, aerial demonstrations, and family-friendly atmosphere, the event remains a highlight of Belgium’s aviation calendar. Whether Prime Minister De Wever will reclaim his annual flight next year — or whether his son will once again take the controls — remains to be seen.