VDL Futura 3 makes its first appearance in Belgium
VDL Bus Group has delivered the first VDL Futura 3 coach in Belgium. On Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the keys of the vehicle were handed over to Reizen De Arend, officially making them the first Belgian customer of the VDL Futura 3. After the first VDL Futura 3 coaches were delivered in the Netherlands at the end of January 2026, VDL Bus Group is now taking the next step from introduction to daily operation of the VDL Futura 3.
With this third generation of the VDL Futura, VDL Bus Group sets a new standard in long-distance travel, emphasizing efficiency, comfort, safety and lower operational costs throughout the entire lifetime of the vehicle.
The first delivery in Belgium marks an important milestone for VDL Bus Group. The 12.9‑metre single-deck VDL Futura 3 has been handed over to the Flemish coach company Reizen De Arend, paving the way for international deployment of the VDL Futura 3.
Logical next step
“With VDL we keep up: innovative coaches with low fuel consumption, high comfort and a cooperation built on trust,” says Stefan Geudens, Managing Director of Reizen De Arend.
In January 2026, Marc van Doorn, Director Coach at VDL Bus Group, underlined this step: “With the first vehicles now delivered to customers, the VDL Futura 3 enters the next stage: real‑world operation. Coach operators can now deploy the vehicle in their daily business, while passengers will start experiencing the latest generation of the Futura on the road.”
Efficient and future‑proof
One of the key features of the VDL Futura 3 is its significantly improved fuel efficiency. Thanks to a combination of optimised aerodynamics, weight reduction and advanced vehicle technology, fuel savings of up to 15 percent have been achieved. This results in lower operating costs and a more sustainable fleet. The vehicle is also prepared for future updates, including possible alternative drivetrains.
The Futura 3 also offers advantages in maintenance and operating costs. Through smart engineering, a modular design and improved system accessibility, repair and maintenance costs are kept to a minimum, further reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Comfort and safety
During the development of the VDL Futura 3, extensive use was made of feedback from customers, drivers, passengers and the aftersales network. This is reflected, among other things, in an ergonomically designed driver’s cabin with improved seating comfort and intuitive controls. For passengers, a new interior, ambient lighting and high-quality materials ensure a comfortable travel experience.
In terms of safety, the VDL Futura 3 is equipped with the latest generation of ADAS driver assistance systems, improved lines of sight and has been prepared to meet the most stringent safety standards. The completely redesigned climate system contributes to quiet and efficient temperature control throughout the vehicle.
Picture left to right: Katrien De Bondt (VDL Bus Belgium), Stefan Geudens (Reizen De Arend) and Martine Peeters (Reizen De Arend)