SkyStef's aviation page
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SkyStef's aviation page |
Air Belgium
Taken at Brussels in May 1995, this B757 is wearing
the old color scheme which is slightly revised in the tail. (Photo: Skystef) |
| Base: Brussels |
| IATA: VY, AJ |
| ICAO: ABB |
| Fleet: 1x B707 (OO-ABA), 8x B737 (OO-ABB, OO-ILF, OO-ILG, OO-ILH, OO-ILJ, OO-ILK, OO-PLH, OO-RVM) + 1x B737 leased from Sobelair (OO-SBT), 1x B757 (OO-ILI), 2x A320 (OO-AEY, OO-AEZ) |
| History: formed on May 3 1979 as Abelag Airways by tour operator Sun International, general aviation company Abelag Aviation and Herfurth (owner of handling agent Belgavia which became Aviapartner) to provide IT pax charters mostly to Mediterranean resorts. Operations from its Brussels base began the same month with the lease of an B707. During 1980 Abelag Aviation withdrew from the project, changing the name to Air Belgium. Starting from the mid eighties, some flights were operated on behalf of DHL. On October 29 1990 charter activities were extended to Fort Lauderdale, followed by flights to Mexico. On November 21 1991 scheduled services were started to Palma, later followed to Alicante, Faro, Funchal, Malaga, Las Palmas and Tenerife. Early 1998 Air Belgium was sold to the Airtours holding introducing the Airbus A320. During the summer of 2000 it was announced that all activities would cease on October 31 2000 due to the heavy competition in this market segment. |
