Milestones

2016

Air Belgium’s foundation

Established in 2016, Air Belgium is committed to delivering exceptional and budget-friendly direct flights from Belgium to specialized long-haul destinations, catering to the unmet needs of both Belgian market and neighbouring regions. With a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and offering a distinctive inflight experience, the airline has swiftly garnered recognition for its quality service, contributing to its rapid achievements in the industry.

2016
2018

Launch of operations

Air Belgium obtained its Air Operator Certificate on March 13, 2018, and commenced passenger flights in June, establishing its base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium and operating direct passenger flights to Hong Kong.

2018
2019

Trimming the sails and new destinations

Due to economic challenges, Air Belgium temporarily suspends its Asia flights and focuses on ACMI services, leasing aircraft and services to other renowned airlines (LOT Polish Airlines, British Airways, Air France, etc).

Simultaneously, the airline introduces direct scheduled passenger flights to French West Indies from Brussels South Charleroi Airport on December 7, 2019.

2019
2020-2021

Development and impact of Covid-19 pandemic

Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Belgium navigates through the challenges with agility, adapting its flight schedule and converting passenger planes into cargo aircraft for medical transport.

Seizing the opportunity, the airline accelerates its cargo operations, introducing new freight-focused planes in 2021, while launching 3 new passenger destinations: Curaçao in July 2021, followed by Mauritius and Punta Cana in October 2021.

2020-2021
2022

Adapting to changes and opportunities

During crises, including fuel price hikes and geopolitical events, Air Belgium adapts by suspending unprofitable routes to the French Caribbean and Curaçao, while maintaining success with direct flights to Mauritius.

The airline expands its network with the introduction of direct passenger flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town in September 2022, fostering partnerships with South African and Indian Ocean carriers like AirLink, FlyCemair, and Air Mauritius, offering passengers access to over 36 additional destinations in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean from Belgium.

2022
2023

Strategic realignment

On September 18, 2023, Air Belgium suspends its scheduled passenger flights, redirecting aircraft and resources towards profitable activities, specifically ACMI-Wet/Lease for both passengers and freight transport to ensure the sustainable development of the airline and securing the employment.

2023
2016

Air Belgium’s foundation

Established in 2016, Air Belgium is committed to delivering exceptional and budget-friendly direct flights from Belgium to specialized long-haul destinations, catering to the unmet needs of both Belgian market and neighbouring regions. With a strong emphasis on passenger comfort and offering a distinctive inflight experience, the airline has swiftly garnered recognition for its quality service, contributing to its rapid achievements in the industry.

2016
2018

Launch of operations

Air Belgium obtained its Air Operator Certificate on March 13, 2018, and commenced passenger flights in June, establishing its base at Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium and operating direct passenger flights to Hong Kong.

2018
2019

Trimming the sails and new destinations

Due to economic challenges, Air Belgium temporarily suspends its Asia flights and focuses on ACMI services, leasing aircraft and services to other renowned airlines (LOT Polish Airlines, British Airways, Air France, etc).

Simultaneously, the airline introduces direct scheduled passenger flights to French West Indies from Brussels South Charleroi Airport on December 7, 2019.

2019
2020-2021

Development and impact of Covid-19 pandemic

Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Belgium navigates through the challenges with agility, adapting its flight schedule and converting passenger planes into cargo aircraft for medical transport.

Seizing the opportunity, the airline accelerates its cargo operations, introducing new freight-focused planes in 2021, while launching 3 new passenger destinations: Curaçao in July 2021, followed by Mauritius and Punta Cana in October 2021.

2020-2021
2022

Adapting to changes and opportunities

During crises, including fuel price hikes and geopolitical events, Air Belgium adapts by suspending unprofitable routes to the French Caribbean and Curaçao, while maintaining success with direct flights to Mauritius.

The airline expands its network with the introduction of direct passenger flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town in September 2022, fostering partnerships with South African and Indian Ocean carriers like AirLink, FlyCemair, and Air Mauritius, offering passengers access to over 36 additional destinations in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean from Belgium.

2022
2023

Strategic realignment

On September 18, 2023, Air Belgium suspends its scheduled passenger flights, redirecting aircraft and resources towards profitable activities, specifically ACMI-Wet/Lease for both passengers and freight transport to ensure the sustainable development of the airline and securing the employment.

2023