SN Airholding was created in 2002, directly after the bankruptcy of the Belgian national airline Sabena, by a group of about 40 investors who wished to ensure the healthy development of the air transport sector in Belgium.
The primary aim of this group was to ensure the continuity of a reliable air connection to and from Brussels, the capital of Europe, and this in the context of the extensive perturbations caused by Sabena’s cessation. The new company was called SN Brussels Airlines, and it posted its first positive results as early as 2003.
In October 2004, it was decided that SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express would join together under the general ownership of SN Airholding, but would each retain their brand and operations independence in the market. Subsequently, in March 2006, the two companies announce the merger and presented to the public a new name – Brussels Airlines – and a brand new range of innovative fare products. Brussels Airlines is owned by SN Airholding and is backed up by some 80 years of Belgian aeronautical experience.
On the 15th September 2008, Lufthansa Group announced its purchase of a stake in the Belgian company. On 11 December 2008, Brussels Airlines was officially invited to join the commercial alliance Star Alliance.