note

SABENA (Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne) was established on May 23, 1923 by the Belgian government to replace SNETA as Belgium's national airline. Its first flight, carrying mail, connected Haren, Ostend, and Lympne. Early operations relied on a mix of World War I surplus aircraft unsuitable for passenger transport until more capable models like the Junkers F.13, Junkers Ju-52, Fokker VII, and Lockheed Lodestar were added to the fleet. In February 1935, SABENA inaugurated a scheduled route from Brussels to the Belgian Congo

During World War II, SABENA suspended European operations but continued flights overseas. After the war, it acquired surplus Douglas DC-4 aircraft, launching transatlantic service to New York on June 4, 1947. European routes utilized Convair CV-440s, while intercontinental services expanded with the addition of Boeing 707s in 1960, marking the airline’s first jet service. The purchase of Boeing 747s in 1970 and Douglas DC-10s in 1973 further expanded the long-haul network, which included destinations like New York, Boston, Montreal, Chicago, Toronto, and Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside an extensive European network.

In the 1960s and 1970s, SABENA introduced jet aircraft, including the Boeing 707 and 747, expanding to North America and Asia. Despite network growth, the airline struggled financially, often relying on government support. Privatization efforts in the 1980s led to partnerships with other carriers, but long-term profitability remained out of reach.

In 1986, SABENA acquired a 49% stake in Belgian regional carrier Delta Air Transport (DAT), completing full ownership by 1996. Despite government support, SABENA faced persistent financial struggles. Partnerships with KLM, British Airways, and Air France in the early 1990s failed to stabilize the airline. In 1995, Swissair acquired a 49.5% stake, but the plan to increase ownership never materialized. The airline's debts grew, and the impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks and Swissair’s collapse worsened its situation. On November 7, 2001, SABENA declared bankruptcy and ceased operations.

Following the collapse, SN Brussels Airlines emerged from SABENA's assets in 2002. In 2007, it merged with Virgin Express to form Brussels Airlines, which became Belgium’s new flag carrier.

founded - demised (age)

May 23 1923 - October 30 2001  (78)

headquarters

Av E. Mounerlaan 2, Brussels

web

base airports

EBBR National Brussels

related operators

SN Brussels Airlines	successor
Air Zaïre
DAT Delta Air Transport	subsidiary
Sobelair	subsidiary
Swissair	stake