Low-cost European flying under the Virgin brand.
Founded
1996
Headquarters
Brussels, Belgium
Virgin Express was a Belgian low-cost airline that operated scheduled and charter passenger services primarily within Europe. Founded in 1996 after Richard Branson's Virgin Group acquired EuroBelgian Airlines, the carrier was rebranded and repositioned as a budget airline operating out of Brussels.
The airline focused on point-to-point routes across Europe, competing in the growing low-cost carrier market of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It operated a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and served destinations across the continent from its Brussels hub.
In 2006, Virgin Express merged with SN Brussels Airlines to form Brussels Airlines, effectively ending the Virgin Express brand. The merger combined the strengths of both carriers and created a more competitive full-service Belgian airline.
Hubs & network
Virgin Express operated primarily from Brussels Airport (BRU) as its main hub.
Fleet
Virgin Express operated an all-Boeing fleet consisting primarily of Boeing 737-300 and 737-400 aircraft.
Notable facts
- ›Formed in 1996 from the acquisition and rebranding of EuroBelgian Airlines by the Virgin Group.
- ›Operated as one of Europe's early low-cost carriers in the late 1990s.
- ›Merged with SN Brussels Airlines in 2006 to form Brussels Airlines.
- ›Used the IATA code TV and ICAO code VEX during its operation.
- ›Richard Branson's Virgin Group held a significant stake in the airline throughout its existence.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
