Brussels Airlines

Airline Code: SN

About Brussels Airlines:
Brussels Airlines was created following the merger of SN Brussels Airlines (SNBA) and Virgin Express. On 12 April 2005, SN Airholding, the company behind SNBA, signed an agreement with Richard Branson, giving it control over Virgin Express. On 31 March 2006 SNBA and Virgin Express announced their merger into a single company. On 7 November 2006, the new name, Brussels Airlines, was announced at a press conference at Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines began operations on 25 March 2007.

In January 2007, the company announced it had acquired a fourth Airbus A330-300, from the defunct company Air Madrid.

Through its Mauritius based subsidiary Pan African Airlines Leasing Company Ltd, Brussels Airlines founded the Congolese airline AirDC, of which it owns 49%, and partner airline Hewa Bora Airways owning the remaining 51%

In December 2007 the airline expressed interest in joining an airline alliances, considering it a priority for the airline.

In July 2008 it appeared that the project "AirDC" was delayed, as the Congolese government did not give the required authorizations to start the new airline with Mauritian registered aircraft (through the Brussels Airlines owned and Mauritius based Pan African Airlines Leasing Company Ltd).

On September 15, 2008 it was announced that Lufthansa will acquire a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines with an option to acquire the remaining 55% from 2011. As a part of this deal Brussels Airlines will join Star Alliance. A date for the airline's entry into the alliance has yet to be determined.

Brussels Airlines Major Hubs:
Brussels Airport

Member lounge: Business Centre & Sunrise Lounge

Alliance: Star Alliance

Fleet Size: 45

No. of Destinations: 128 (with codeshare)

Airline was founded in: 2006