Belgium is making notable strides in both economic growth and technological innovation, positioning itself as a key player on the European stage. Recent developments across several sectors highlight the nation's ambition to expand its capabilities and connect its citizens and businesses more effectively to the digital world.
One of the most exciting announcements is by Air (One) Belgium, which is ramping up its operations under new ownership. The airline, recently acquired by Dutch entrepreneur Peter Scholten and Indian businessman Guneet Mirchandani, plans to bolster its cargo capacity significantly by adding two Boeing 747-400F aircraft to its fleet. This expansion strategy is aimed at improving operational efficiency and extending its reach within European and global markets. Given the rising demand for cargo services—largely driven by the increasing need for reliable shipping solutions—Air (One) Belgium is setting itself up as a competitive force within the air cargo industry. The fleet will now include two Airbus A330-200F and two Boeing 747-8F alongside the newly introduced 747-400F, marking a significant milestone for the airline.
Meanwhile, the National Bank of Belgium has released its semi-annual economic projections, which indicate wage increases will largely adhere to the country’s automatic indexing system, driven mainly by inflation. Inflation is projected to hit around 4.3% for 2024, fueled by raising food prices and energy costs. Interestingly, wages in Belgium are climbing faster than those of neighboring countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France—about 1% quicker than previously anticipated. Geert Langenus, chief economist at the National Bank, indicated this could lead to widening wage gaps with other nations until at least 2027. This reliance on indexing laws means there will be little room for additional wage negotiations over the next few years. National Bank Governor Pierre Wunsch noted, "This means there should be no room for conventional wage increases beyond indexing over the next three years." This situation places Belgium’s workforce at the mercy of the inflationary climate, affecting purchasing power.
The technology sector is also rapidly progressing, showcased by the recent establishment of the Digital Tower Test Centre by Skeyes, Belgium's air traffic service provider. Unveiled just before the end of May, the center leverages advanced technology from Saab to create a prototype for future air traffic management systems. Located in Steenokkerzeel, it aims to train air traffic controllers and familiarize them with remote operation systems for Charleroi and Liège airports. The test center utilizes Saab’s innovative Remote Tower (r-TWR) solution, which allows for accurate tracking of flights even under adverse weather conditions. This integration signifies Belgium’s commitment to modernizing its air traffic control and ensuring operational safety.
With Saab's technology, the Digital Tower Test Centre promises enhanced reliability and flexibility, as air traffic can be managed from any location, minimizing physical infrastructure needs at airports. The successful implementation of this technology has already been demonstrated at international sites, including London City Airport, which uses similar technology to manage air traffic from hundreds of miles away, indicating the potential for scalability and efficiency.
Finally, cementing the digital revolution is Orange Belgium's launch of the ‘Orange Satellite’ service, which aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to even the most remote and underserved areas of the country. By collaborating with Nordnet, Orange is ensuring access to broadband speeds reaching up to 200 Mbps downstream, making it suitable for various customer segments including retail and businesses. For EUR 49 per month, users can receive the service, complete with the necessary satellite kit. This offering not only fits within Orange's broader strategy of inclusivity but also marks the introduction of the largest European satellite ever, the Eutelsat Konnect VHTS, which has been launched to support connectivity across Europe and beyond.
Philippe Toussaint, Chief Technology Officer of Orange Belgium, emphasized the transformative potential of technology: "By leveraging advanced geostationary satellite technology, we’re breaking the boundaries of traditional connectivity and bringing high-speed internet to even the most remote locations." This deployment is more than just about speed; it's about ensuring every resident and business can engage with the digital world efficiently.
These developments reflect Belgium's ambitious goals across various sectors, showcasing how economic and technological advancements can lead to robustness against the challenges of inflation and globalization. This combination of air cargo growth, wage adjustments, air traffic innovations, and expansive digital connectivity certainly paints a bright picture for the future of Belgium.
