This morning, Luxembourg proudly welcomed a delegation of International Air Cadets for a two-day official visit – marking the second consecutive year that our country participates in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE). AOPA Luxembourg is delighted to share a first snapshot of their arrival, as we continue building bridges between young aviators across the world.
Organised by the International Cadet Aviation Exchange Association (ICAE), the IACE program brings together cadets from countries as far away as New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States – offering them a chance to discover aviation in a new cultural and operational environment.
🛫 It All Started in London
The journey toward establishing the Luxembourg Loftkadetten began in September 2022 at the ICAE General Assembly in London, where Luxembourg was officially accepted as a new member country. This was made possible thanks to a joint effort by AOPA Luxembourg and the Royal Belgian Air Cadets.
AOPA President Peter Sodermans presented Luxembourg’s aviation landscape and youth ambitions, while the Belgian delegation showcased their long-standing program and commitment to cooperation. This formal acceptance kickstarted the process that now allows Luxembourgish youth to take part in a world-class aviation training structure.
“As a former Air Cadet myself in the late 1970’s , I know how powerful this experience can be. We want young Luxembourgers to benefit from the same life-changing opportunity that launched my own aviation journey,”
— Peter Sodermans, President of AOPA Luxembourg
✈️ AOPA and ICAE: From Inspiration to Action
Thanks to the mentorship and infrastructure of the Royal Belgian Air Cadets (RBAC), Luxembourg’s new Lëtzebuerger Loftkadetten now follow a proven model. The RBAC brings deep experience and resources to the table:
- Over 400 active members
- 190 Cadets (50 aspirants, 85 flight cadets, 34 senior cadets, 21 military seniors)
- 22 gliders, 4 Pipers, and 1 winch
- 59 flight instructors (FI(S)) and 10 flight examiners
- Over 100 cadets trained for the Sailplane Pilot License (SPL) annually
- Training and operations based at four military airfields: Beauvechain, Bertrix, Florennes, and Weelde
This scale and structure ensure that Luxembourg cadets will benefit from high-quality flight instruction and a strong network of mentors and peers.
🎖️ Backed by the Luxembourg Army
Crucially, the project was made possible thanks to the active support and leadership of the Luxembourg Army, which embraced the Loftkadetten initiative and turned it into reality. Their engagement guarantees long-term viability, and their values – discipline, teamwork, and excellence – are now at the heart of the Loftkadetten experience.
🚀 The Loftkadetten Program is Now Open
The Loftkadetten program is now officially open to young Luxembourgers from age 14 to 16 who are eager to discover aviation, train as glider pilots, and grow in a structured and international setting.
📍 Apply via the official website
🤝 AOPA’s Commitment
AOPA Luxembourg is proud to have initiated and promoted this unique program – from securing ICAE membership to coordinating with Belgian partners and supporting Luxembourg’s Defence Ministry.
The ultimate goal is to create a smooth transition for Luxembourg’s youth into the world of aviation, thereby contributing to both national pride and global aviation expertise.
Our dream? To one day see a glider in Luxembourg colours, just like our iconic A400M, soaring proudly across the sky. AOPA is ready to support this project logistically, institutionally, and with full passion.
📸 Follow the Story
In the coming days, we will share more highlights from the cadets’ visit
🛫 For Luxembourg’s youth, the sky is just the beginning.
— AOPA Luxembourg
📧 info@aopa.lu