Brussels Airlines emerges

Brussels Airlines is the new name for the merged Virgin Express/SN Brussels Airlines.

The renamed Belgian airline emerged five years after SN Brussels’ predecessor Sabena went bankrupt.

One part of the new carrier will run a no-frills service based on the Virgin Express model while the other will cater for business travellers.

Flights will operate under the Brussels Airlines brand from March 25, with the combined ariline serving more than 50 European destinations, 13 in Africa, three in North America plus China and the UAE.

CEO Neil Burrows was quoted by Associated Press as saying: “Brussels Airlines listened to what all its passengers want, both business and low cost, and has created two products that exactly meet their needs.”

SN has a majority 70.1% stake in the airline’s holding company with Virgin having the remaining 29.9%.

Report by Phil Davies