Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier and largest airline of Belgium. It is headquartered at Brussels AirportBrussels Airlines was founded in 2006 after the merger of SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express. However, its roots can be traced back to Belgium's national carrier Sabena, which went bankrupt in 2001The primary hub of Brussels Airlines is Brussels Airport (BRU), located in Zaventem, near Brussels.
Brussels Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft, which includes both short-haul (A319, A320) and long-haul (A330) aircraftThe airline serves numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia. Its African network is particularly strong due to Belgium's historical ties to AfricaBrussels Airlines offers different classes of service, including Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. The airline is known for its Belgian hospitality, which is reflected in its in-flight service, meals, and amenities.
Brussels Airlines joined the Star Alliance in December 2009. As part of the alliance, passengers have access to a vast network of destinations and can avail benefits like shared lounges and mutual frequent flyer mile accrual.Brussels Airlines, like many other carriers, has initiatives in place aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. They've looked into measures like fleet renewal for fuel efficiency and other carbon offsetting programs.
Like many airlines worldwide, Brussels Airlines faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to a reduction in routes, fleet size, and workforce, along with financial challenges.