HERMAN DE WULF / BRUSSELS
New Belgian long-haul carrier has ambitious growth plans after successful launch of transatlantic services
Just three months after launch, Belgian long-haul carrier VG Airlines is preparing to almost double its network and fleet size.
The airline flies three ex-Sabena Airbus A330-200s on transatlantic services from Brussels to three US destinations - Boston, Los Angeles and New York Kennedy - as well as flying from Los Angeles via Brussels to Yerevan in Armenia.
Founded by Belgian businessman Freddie Van Gaever, VG began operations on 23 May. Passenger numbers are already "healthy and increasing", with load factors averaging around 50% and peaking at 75-80%. VG says it may soon add "two or three" destinations and acquire up to three more aircraft.
The carrier has an agreement with US operator National Airlines for passengers to be carried beyond Los Angeles on National's domestic network. VG is trying to secure a similar agreement at Boston, where point-to-point traffic from Brussels remains low.
The airline declines to specify where it is looking to expand as a variety of options are being examined, but says that it might not be limited to the USA.
VG Airlines was formed to provide direct transatlantic services from Brussels after the demise of Belgian flag carrier Sabena. Van Gaever's policy is to operate only former Sabena aircraft and recruit exclusively from former Sabena personnel. The airline is likely to lease some or all of the three ex-Sabena A330-200s that are being stored in Germany.
Source: Flight International
