Air Belgium (KF, Brussels Charleroi) has delayed the launch of commercial flight operations until early 2018 Belgium's L'Echo newspaper has reported. In May, chief executive Niky Terzakis had said the airline was aiming to commence revenue flights during October/November of this year.
According to the article, to help shore up its financial reserves, the start-up has now taken on-board two new investors, the Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPI – FPIM) and the Walloon investment company (SRIW). Together, the two own a 25% stake in Air Belgium.
The start-up is said to be in the process of completing its AOC with the Belgian Ministry of Mobility. Under previously announced plans, it will serve Hong Kong International initially before expanding into the mainland Chinese market. Operations are onboard A340-300 equipment leased from Finnair Aircraft Finance.
