Mr Philippe Vander Putten has decided to leave the management of Brussels Airlines

In full agreement with all parties, Mr Philippe Vander Putten has decided to leave the management of Brussels Airlines. The Board appoints Michel Meyfroidt and Bernard Gustin as Managing Directors.

The CEO and Managing Director of Brussels Airlines, Mr. Philippe Vander Putten, has decided to withdraw from the daily management of the company due to divergences of view concerning the repartition of roles at the top of the company. The Board thanks Mr. Philippe Vander Putten for the work done since his arrival, amongst other: the launch of Brussels Airlines, the introduction of the new concepts b.flex / b.light in Europe and the merger between the two operational companies. 

The Board decided to appoint two Managing Directors, namely Mr. Michel Meyfroidt, at present Director and CFO of Brussels Airlines and Mr. Bernard Gustin, at present senior partner of the consulting firm Arthur D. Little.

Mr. Bernard Gustin has consulted Brussels Airlines since end 2001. He played a key role in the development and implementation of the business plan that gave birth to SN Brussels Airlines. He accompanied both SNBA and Virgin Express towards their merger. Mr. Bernard Gustin is a member of SN Airholding Bureau and is assisting the Brussels Airlines management on a regular basis. 

Mr. Bernard Gustin will mainly assure the supervision of Strategic, Commercial, Network, Communication and IT matters. Mr. Michel Meyfroidt will mainly assure the supervision of Operations, Finance/Admin & Human Resources matters. 

The day-to-day management of the Company is entrusted to the Management Committee, composed of the two Managing Directors and the main operational responsibles. Furthermore, a Strategic Development Committee consisting of the two Managing Directors, Mrs Ursula Silling (EVP Commercial), Mr Erik Follet (EVP Strategy and Business Development) and Mr. Rudi Nerinckx ( EVP Human Resources) is established. Mr Michel Meyfroidt will chair both committees. 

The Board is confident that these decisions will allow Brussels Airlines to face the new challenges affecting the airline sector due to fuel price increases and a stronger competitive environment. The Board and the new Managing Directors are determined to meet the performance objectives set in order to ensure the further development of the company. 

The new Managing Directors will take duty after the General Assembly of SN Airholding on the 11th of June 2008.

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About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is the home carrier of Belgium and one of the four network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. It connects the European capital from Brussels Airport with over 90 destinations, 18 of which are in Sub Saharan Africa. The company employs more than 3,500 people and operates 44 aircraft.

Brussels Airlines aims to emit 50% less CO2 by 2030 compared to 2019 and plans to be carbon neutral by 2050. The airline is participating in the Stargate Project led by Brussels Airport and is therefore part of the testing ground for sustainable aviation at its home base. In addition, the airline signed the Circular Economy agreement of the Antwerp Management School in 2021. The airline was the first to transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the CEPS-pipeline connecting Brussels Airport early 2023. By end 2024, Brussels Airlines will have welcomed five state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo allowing the airline to significantly lower its CO2- and noise-emissions on its medium-haul network.

As an ambassador of its country, Brussels Airlines brings the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world, among others through collaborations with Belgian Star Chefs, Belgian culinary products and the Belgian Icons, specially painted aircraft that honour a Belgian iconic person, team or event to promote Belgian culture worldwide.

More information on brusselsairlines.com 


About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in almost 190 countries.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com
More information on staralliance.com

Contact

b.house Zone General Aviation - Airport Building 26 1831 Diegem

+32 2 723 89 90

press@brusselsairlines.com

www.brusselsairlines.com