"Brussels"

Brussels Airlines is set for a leadership change. From July 1, 2024, Dieter Vranckx stepped into the role of chairperson of the board at SN Airholding, the parent company of Brussels Airlines.

This move marks a significant shift in the airline’s top management. Vranckx will take over from Christina Foerster, who is departing from the Lufthansa Group.

This change at the top comes at a crucial time for Brussels Airlines as it navigates the post-pandemic aviation landscape.

Dieter Vranckx Background

Born in 1973, Dieter Vranckx is a Belgian national with deep roots in the aviation industry. His career began in 1998 at Sabena as a Management Trainee.

Vranckx’s educational background includes a commercial engineer diploma and an MBA from the prestigious Solvay business school in Brussels.

Throughout his career, Vranckx has held various positions within the Lufthansa Group. He joined Brussels Airlines in 2018, initially as Chief Financial Officer before becoming CEO.

In 2021, he took on the role of CEO at Swiss, another Lufthansa Group airline.

Outline of New Roles

Recently, Lufthansa Group announced Vranckx’s appointment to its Executive Board. Starting July 1, he will oversee Global Markets and Commercial Steering Hubs.

In addition to this role, Vranckx will chair the board of SN Airholding.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Vranckx gave comment on the appointment. “Brussels Airlines has been an important part of my career. I am happy to return as chairperson to the board of SN Airholding.”

“It’s wonderful to see how far the airline has come, and what an exciting future this airline has ahead.”

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is Belgium’s national carrier and a key player in the European aviation market. Founded in 2002, it emerged from the ashes of Sabena, Belgium’s former national airline.

The airline serves as a vital link between Brussels, the capital of Europe, and destinations across Europe, Africa, and North America.

As a member of the Lufthansa Group since 2016, the carrier has benefited from being part of a larger aviation network.

The airline is known for its focus on passenger comfort, punctuality, and its unique Belgian touch, often showcasing the country’s culture and cuisine on board.

Brussels Airlines operates a fleet of modern Airbus aircraft, including A319s, A320s, and A330s for long-haul flights.

The airline has been working on enhancing its sustainability efforts, investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint.

With its hub at Brussels Airport, the airline plays a crucial role in connecting passengers from across Europe to Africa, where it has a strong network.

This Africa-focused strategy has been a key differentiator for Brussels Airlines in the competitive European airline market.

As Dieter Vranckx takes on his new role, industry observers will be keen to see how his leadership and experience will shape the future of Brussels Airlines in an ever-evolving aviation landscape.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!

The skies above Europe were marked with a powerful message of unity yesterday, as the Lufthansa Group orchestrated a symbolic gathering at Brussels Airport.

Four Airbus A320s, transformed into flying ambassadors emblazoned with the “Yes to Europe” slogan and the European Union’s star emblem, converged on May 13th.

This impressive display marked the culmination of a campaign that began on April 22nd, with these specially decorated aircraft crisscrossing the continent to champion the European ideal.

Brussels Airport Gathering

The initiative served a dual purpose: first and foremost, it sought to reignite public enthusiasm for the European project.  It also seeks to encourage voter turnout in the upcoming European Parliament elections slated for June 6th-9th, 2024.

Over 100 distinguished guests, including influential figures like European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, assembled at Brussels Airport to witness the symbolic meeting.

Their presence underscored the importance of a strong and free Europe, echoing the message emblazoned across the Lufthansa Group’s aircraft.

Standing at a Crossroads

“We stand at a crossroads,” declared Carsten Spohr, CEO of the Lufthansa Group, addressing the gathering. “Millions of citizens across Europe will soon have the opportunity to shape the future of the European Union.”

“It is imperative, now more than ever, that we exercise our democratic right to vote and advocate for a united and free continent. This is the cornerstone of a robust Europe, not just economically, but geographically as well.”

Yes to Europe

The Lufthansa Group, a prominent European airline conglomerate, leveraged its extensive network to champion European unity.

 These “Yes to Europe” aircraft served as powerful testaments to the importance of the European project. The four aircraft will now be seen in the skies across the continent for several weeks.

Their presence served as a constant reminder of the shared values and intertwined destinies of European nations.

This campaign underscores the Group’s unwavering commitment to a strong and prosperous Europe. It recognizes that a united continent fosters not only economic growth but also stability and collaboration on a global scale.

Summary

With the European Parliament elections approaching, the Lufthansa Group’s initiative serves as a timely reminder of the power citizens hold in shaping the future of Europe.

By casting their votes, Europeans have the opportunity to advocate for the policies and direction they believe will best serve the continent.

The symbolic gathering at Brussels Airport and the weeks-long campaign serve as a powerful call to action. It urges Europeans to actively participate in shaping the future of their collective home.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!

Brussels Airlines is excited to announce a collaborative effort with Skywings Flight Training, an Antwerp-based academy.

This innovative program breaks new ground by allowing the carrier to recruit aspiring pilots ahead of their training.

Skywings will ensure these future aviators receive top-notch training that meets the carrier’s high standards. The customised training will familiarize them with the airline’s specific procedures.

Growth on the Horizon for Brussels Airlines…

Brussels Airlines is experiencing a period of significant expansion. The carrier is seeing new aircraft joining their fleet and further destinations being added to their network.

To support this growth, the airline is actively seeking talented individuals across various roles.

Fast-Track to the Cockpit: The Multi Pilot Licence Program

To expedite the onboarding process for first officers, Brussels Airlines has joined forces with Skywings Flight Training. This partnership has resulted in the creation of a unique “Multi Pilot Licence-program.” Here’s how it works:

• Early Recruitment: The airline and Skywings team up to recruit aspiring pilots even before their training begins.
• Efficient Training: Throughout the program, cadets begin working towards a Multi Pilot Licence (MPL). This is essential for operating the multi-pilot aircraft that make up Brussels Airlines’ entire fleet.
• Real-World Preparation: As well as classroom learning, pilot candidates will gain valuable experience through simulator training. They will become thoroughly familiar with the operational procedures of Belgium’s national airline.

Transition to Brussels Airlines

Upon successful completion of the program, these highly trained pilots can seamlessly join Brussels Airlines. Their first operational step will be as first officers on the A319 and A320 fleet.

This innovative approach eliminates the need for a lengthy selection process or additional Ab Initio training within the airline.

Stakeholder Comments

This collaboration offers significant advantages for all parties involved, as Filip Aerts, Head of Flight Operations at Brussels Airlines, explains.

“This partnership is a true win-win for everyone. The flight training becomes more accessible for the candidates, providing a fast track to a rewarding career at Brussels Airlines.”

“Simultaneously, it allows us to streamline the training process and welcome new colleagues on board much sooner.”

Pieter Brantegem, Chief Commercial Officer at Skywings Flight Training, echoes this sentiment.

“Through our partnership with Brussels Airlines, Skywings Flight Training is thrilled to offer a Multi Pilot License program that transforms aspiring pilots into professional aviators in just 19 months.”

“Together, we are committed to providing exceptional training and ensuring a smooth transition for our graduates into their careers at Brussels Airlines.”

Ready to Take Off?

Interested candidates can apply for the MPL training program through the airline’s job website.

The program kicks off this autumn, with the first batch of graduates taking to the skies for Brussels Airlines in 2026.

Open House Day

For those curious about this exciting opportunity, Brussels Airlines is hosting an open house day for interested candidates at their Zaventem headquarters (b.house) on Sunday, May 5th.

Conclusion

Brussels Airlines, the flag carrier of Belgium, is a forward-thinking airline committed to providing exceptional air travel experiences.

Their focus on growth and expansion is evident in their ever-growing fleet and the addition of exciting new destinations to their network.

The airline actively cultivates a talented workforce. This is exemplified by their innovative partnership with Skywings Flight Training, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of pilots.

Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.

Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!