Roadfour opens branch at Ostend–Bruges Airport North Sea Aviation Centre (NSAC)

Roadfour, a Belgian startup, has established a branch at Ostend–Bruges Airport NSAC with the name ‘Roadfour Oostende’. At this new branch, the company will develop the SEAGLE, a new generation amphibious forest firefighting aircraft.

The establishment of this branch is a necessity to facilitate discussion with stakeholders in Flanders, says Luc Stultjens, Roadfour’s Community Manager Benelux.

The company is also considering the possibilities for the implantation of the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the SEAGLE, with Ostend being one of the potential European locations for this. The eventual location will employ around 450 direct and 450 indirect full-time employees.

Gaëtan Du Four, CEO and Co-Founder of Roadfour, said: “As a Belgian startup, we wish to explore our own country’s assets as widely as possible. This allows us to make a strictly objective decision for the final implantation of our FAL. This decision will have a long-term impact on an entire ecosystem. To prepare this decision, close cooperation with local stakeholders is a must. The choice to open our ‘Roadfour Ostend’ branch for this purpose is fully in line with our strategy.”

The decision to open the branch in Ostend is welcomed by Filip Roelandt, CEO of Economisch Huis Oostende. He said Ostend is the ideal place for such an ambitious project like SEAGLE and matches the company’s needs in terms of size, a strong airport community, support from all levels of government, easy accessibility and high levels of education.

European wildfires have caused devastation across the continent, so new aircraft like the SEAGLE can help fight them and protect the environment.