The International Sanicole Airshow 2024 is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the F-16. In light of this, we have already had the opportunity to announce several F-16 demo teams and we regret the Belgian Air Force's decision to no longer fly an F-16 demo itself. This brings an end to a fine history within the Air Force that had no less than 19 different demo pilots. The very last one was Steven ‘Vrieske’ Devries, who was allowed to close this era in 2023 during the Belgian Air Force Days in Kleine Brogel.
As this was an abrupt end, the decision only being taken in the run-up to the new 2024 display season, we were never able to say goodbye to our demo pilot properly nor give him the farewell he deserved. Therefore, we are very happy to announce that ‘Vrieske’ will make his last airshow flight on Sunday 22 September: on one hand as leader of an F-16 heritage flight with all F-16 demo pilots present and on the other hand in a formation flight together with the Spitfire.
Make sure you don’t miss the chance to wave goodbye to a pilot who has been flying at the Sanicole airshows for countless years.
Vrieske lead the Thundertigers of 31 tiger squadron based at Kleine-Brogel countless times during their displays over the airfield at Sanicole and during our most recent edition, he was of course the Belgian air force F-16 solo display pilot, taking the audiences breath away with the gorgeous Dream Viper. 2024 will mark his final participation on behalf of the Belgian air force at the International Sanicole Airshow but he will go out in style, performing an emotional and evocative series of flypasses for the Belgian air force Heritage Flight. This will not be a full demonstration, but a few formation passes, using a regular Belgian F-16.
Joining the F-16 for these passes will be the pristine Spitfire MkXVI of Kris Van den Bergh, based at Brustem near Sint-Truiden. The historic Spitfire was the first fighter aircraft in service with the Belgian air force and also served with distinction in the hands of Belgian pilots flying with the British Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The gorgeous Spitfire flown by Kris is painted in the wartime colourscheme of 349 (F) squadron, which is based at Kleine-Brogel nowadays.
The poignant heritage flight brings together the first fighter and the current day fighter of the Belgian air force, on the cusp of the move to the next generation of combat aircraft in Belgium, another giant leap in technology that will ensure the high effectiveness of Belgian crews for countless years to come.
Make sure you witness this memorable moment at the International Sanicole Airshow 2024!
