The origins of the creation of a school providing training for future airline pilots were in 1953, when the Belgian government, which owned the aircraft, contracted the operation thereof to Sabena under the name École d’aviation civile (EAC).

[9][10] The school has two subsidiaries: To gain a place on the course it's necessary to complete an assessment at Sabena Flight Academy.

28 hours of flying are then completed in the Diamond DA42 or Piper Seminole,[12] a multi engine aircraft which is used for the CPL Skills Test.

The Advanced Flight Training takes place back in Antwerp and students will complete 8 hours flight time in the Diamond DA42 or Piper Seneca V. This flying is designed to teach students to use aircraft instruments in Europe's air traffic environment.

Following this course, a pilot is now qualified to gain employment in any airline within the JAA licensing region as a First Officer.