Virgin Express

Virgin Express was a Belgian low-cost airline that operated scheduled and charter services across Europe. It was established in 1996 when the Virgin Group acquired the operations of Euro Belgian Airlines, rebranding it under the Virgin name. The airline was headquartered in Brussels and used Brussels Airport as its primary hub. The carrier focused on offering affordable fares on European routes, competing with other budget airlines during the rapid growth of low-cost aviation in Europe. Virgin Express operated a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737 aircraft throughout its history. In 2006, Virgin Express merged with SN Brussels Airlines to form Brussels Airlines. The combined carrier began operations in 2007, effectively ending the Virgin Express brand. The merger was seen as a strategic move to create a stronger Belgian national carrier capable of competing more effectively in the European aviation market.