Jack Schoepen‘s dream of an aviation-themed entertainment experience has moved one step closer to takeoff.
After a consultation for a recreation zone at Antwerp International Airport, the Flemish government (Vlaamse Regering) has granted Captain Jack rights to develop such the airport attraction alongside the Krijgsbaan highway.
Vlaamse Regering Minister Lydia Peeters has signed an agreement for the project. The two parties will meet again soon to develop further plans for the attraction in the Belgian city famed for its diamond trade.
Entertainment meets science and technology
If preparations go according to schedule, construction could start next year. The first phase – including two Boeing 747 jumbo jets, Flanders’ first indoor skydiving attraction, and other sporting facilities – may be ready as soon as 2025. However, the full development is not expected to be complete until 2034.
At the heart of the five-hectare recreation zone will be the Aero Park. The indoor entertainment centre, aimed at children up to 12 years of age, will feature a departure hall where children and their parents, grandparents or teachers ‘check-in’ for the ‘journey’ ahead. Promised attractions include themed rides, a zeppelin, flight simulator, interactive features and a control tower.
As guests make their way around the park, they will gain insights into aviation without even realising it. A restaurant serving healthy food and drink will give great views as parents watch their children play.
Also planned are a science and technology experience centre aimed at older children and adults, as well as multi-purpose theatre. A themed hotel will be built inside one of the jumbos jets. The other will be used as business space.
Before all the above, the infrastructure will be constructed to connect the site to the existing Sportpark Mortsel facilities on the other side of the Krijgsbaan. This will allow for synergies with the first phase features at Captain Jack, including a climbing room, VR parachute and balloon attractions.
Life after Bobbejaanland
Schoepen, the son of Bobbejaanland founder Bobbejaan Schoepen, ran the Belgian theme park until its sale to Parques Reunidos in 2004. Interested in planes since an early age, the concept for Captain Jack seemed like a natural progression. Though he has had the vision for many years, he first presented it to the wider attractions industry at IAAPA Expo Europe in 2019. The project will be developed by Schoepen’s own company Skice Development II.
Served by four airlines flying mainly to holiday destinations, Antwerp International Airport (Luchthaven) is not a major aviation hub. Yet it has the aeronautical credentials to be a credible home for Captain Jack. Located just a few kilometres outside the centre of Antwerp, it is within easy reach of several other central European cities.
