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About Brussels Airlines

A Quick Overview of Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier and largest airline of Belgium, headquartered at Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem. A member of the Lufthansa Group and the Star Alliance, it operates as a full-service carrier, connecting Brussels to over 90 destinations across Europe, North America, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Established on November 7, 2006, following the merger of SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) and Virgin Express, the airline commenced operations on March 25, 2007, inheriting the legacy of Belgium’s former national carrier, Sabena, which went bankrupt in 2001. With a fleet of 46 aircraft and over 3,500 employees, Brussels Airlines emphasizes Belgian hospitality, sustainability, and cultural promotion through its slogan, “You’re in good company.” It is known for its African expertise, premium in-flight services, and unique “Belgian Icons” aircraft liveries celebrating figures like Tintin and the Red Devils.

History

Brussels Airlines was formed after the 2001 bankruptcy of Sabena, Belgium’s national carrier, which left a gap in the country’s aviation market. SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) emerged in 2002 from Sabena’s regional subsidiary, DAT, focusing on European and African routes. On April 12, 2005, SN Airholding, the parent company of SNBA, acquired Virgin Express, a low-cost carrier founded by Richard Branson. The merger was announced on March 31, 2006, and the new entity, Brussels Airlines, was unveiled on November 7, 2006, at Brussels Airport, with operations starting March 25, 2007. The airline’s IATA code, SN, was inherited from Sabena and SNBA, and its ICAO code changed from DAT to BEL in October 2008.

Key milestones include:

  • 2008: Lufthansa acquired a 45% stake in SN Airholding, with an option to purchase the remaining 55%, enabling Brussels Airlines to join Star Alliance on December 9, 2009.
  • 2016: Overcame operational challenges following the March 22 Brussels Airport terrorist attacks, shifting long-haul flights to Zurich and Frankfurt and offering shuttle services from Liège and Antwerp.
  • 2017: Lufthansa completed its acquisition of SN Airholding, fully integrating Brussels Airlines into the Lufthansa Group. Absorbed two Airbus A320s and traffic rights from Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium after its closure.
  • 2018–2019: Phased out Avro RJ100s and wet-leased Sukhoi Superjets, replacing them with Airbus A320-family aircraft for efficiency.
  • 2020: Discontinued its LOOP loyalty program, consolidating rewards under Lufthansa’s Miles & More. Faced significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending operations and operating repatriation flights.
  • 2021: Announced plans to acquire three Airbus A320neo aircraft in 2023, with three more by summer 2026, to replace aging A319s and reduce CO2 emissions.
  • 2023: Became the first airline to transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via the CEPS pipeline to Brussels Airport, advancing its sustainability goals.
  • 2024: Took delivery of five Airbus A320neo aircraft, enhancing its medium-haul network and reducing emissions. Expanded routes to Nairobi (six weekly flights) and launched new lounges.

Operations

Brussels Airlines operates from its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), connecting to over 90 destinations, including 18 in Sub-Saharan Africa, 3 in North America, and numerous European cities. Its network focuses on business and leisure travel, with a strong emphasis on African routes, leveraging Belgium’s historical ties to the region.

Destinations:
  • Europe: Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome, Lisbon, Stockholm, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Athens, Malaga, and more (over 50 cities).
  • North America: New York (JFK), Washington (IAD), Chicago (ORD).
  • Sub-Saharan Africa: Accra (Ghana), Dakar (Senegal), Entebbe (Uganda), Kigali (Rwanda), Kinshasa (DR Congo), Luanda (Angola), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia), Banjul (Gambia), Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Bujumbura (Burundi), Douala and Yaoundé (Cameroon), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Nairobi (Kenya), Conakry (Guinea).
  • Other: Tel Aviv (Israel), Yerevan (Armenia).