Belgian charter airline Sobelair was declared bankrupt by a Brussels court on 19 January, with outstanding debts of c43 million ($53 million). Judge Ilse Leus said that the airline's recovery plan was unrealistic, and it had failed to gain additional investment from shareholders. Creditors include the receivers of Sobelair's former parent, Belgian flag carrier Sabena,Êdeclared bankrupt in 2001. The airline's 450 staff have lost their jobs, while administrators Frans de Roy, Jean-Louis Servais and Jooris de Smet negotiate with potential new investors for the airline.
Source: Flight International