Virgin ExpressTV

DEFUNCT AIRLINE: Virgin Express ceased operations on March 25, 2007, when it merged with SN Brussels Airlines to form Brussels Airlines. This guide provides historical information. For current travel, refer to Brussels Airlines.

Virgin Express was a Belgian low-cost carrier that operated from Brussels Airport from 1996 to 2007. Founded when Richard Branson's Virgin Group acquired EuroBelgian Airlines (EBA), it became one of Europe's early low-cost carriers and a significant competitor in the Belgian aviation market.

The airline was created on April 23, 1996, when the Virgin Group purchased EuroBelgian Airlines for 1.8 billion Belgian francs. EBA had been founded in 1991 by entrepreneurs Victor Hasson and Georges Gutelman from the remnants of the bankrupt Trans European Airways (TEA). Under Virgin branding, the airline inherited EBA's Boeing 737 fleet and its focus on affordable European travel.

Virgin Express concentrated on low-budget scheduled flights from its Brussels hub, primarily serving leisure destinations in Southern Europe and competing directly with Belgium's flag carrier Sabena (until its 2001 collapse) and later SN Brussels Airlines. At its peak, the airline operated 25 aircraft and carried approximately 2.1 million passengers annually.

In October 2004, the Virgin Group sold its stake to SN Brussels Airlines, with both carriers integrated into parent holding company SN Airholding. The airlines continued operating separately until March 31, 2006, when they announced their merger into Brussels Airlines. The combined carrier commenced operations on March 25, 2007.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION: The policies below reflect Virgin Express's rules before the merger. For current policies, see Brussels Airlines.

Carry-On Allowance (Historical)

As a low-cost carrier, Virgin Express had straightforward baggage rules:

Cabin Baggage:

• Dimensions: Approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
• Weight limit: 6-7 kg (13-15 lbs)
• One cabin bag per passenger

Checked Baggage (Historical)

Fare Type	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Standard	1 bag	20 kg (44 lbs)
Additional bags	Purchase required	Variable fees

As an early low-cost carrier, Virgin Express pioneered unbundled pricing where passengers could pay lower base fares and add baggage as needed.

Single-Class Configuration

Virgin Express operated a single-class (Economy) cabin configuration typical of low-cost carriers:

Economy Class:

• Standard Boeing 737 seating (3-3 configuration)
• Seat pitch: Approximately 29-31"
• No seatback entertainment screens
• Simple, clean cabin interiors in Virgin red and white

Onboard Service

True to its low-cost model, Virgin Express offered:

• Buy-on-board catering: Snacks and beverages available for purchase
• No complimentary meals: Unlike full-service carriers of the era
• Simple, efficient service: Focus on on-time performance and turnaround

What Made Virgin Express Different

As one of Europe's early low-cost carriers, Virgin Express differentiated itself through:

1. Lower fares: Significantly cheaper than Sabena/SN Brussels Airlines
2. Point-to-point focus: No complex hub connections
3. Leisure market emphasis: Southern European destinations
4. Internet sales: Early adopter of online ticket sales
5. Virgin brand recognition: Benefited from Richard Branson's brand cachet