Richard Branson is the new investor in Belgian commuter airline DAT. Branson put €25 million ($22 million) into DAT's owner, the Airholding group, following the decision by Belgium's Flemish regional government to withdraw from Airholding. The group acquired DAT for g1 from the official Sabena receiver late last year after the Belgian flag carrier's collapse, announcing its intent to merge with Branson's Brussels-based Virgin Express. Airholding, which includes 35 Belgian companies, would be the major shareholder. Virgin Express and DAT have already begun to codeshare on nine Brussels-London Heathrow routes. Meanwhile, a group of former Sabena pilots plans to launch a new airline. Backed by four investors, two Belgian, the airline would serve Africa, and employ around 500 former Sabena pilots and 800 cabin crew.
Source: Flight International
