Air Belgium’s Restructuring Leaves Nearly 130 Cabin Crew Unemployed

Air Belgium, facing prolonged financial difficulties, has restructured its operations by transitioning to Air One Belgium, a move that emphasizes cargo services over passenger flights. This strategic shift has led to the exclusion of cabin crew from the new operational framework, resulting in the loss of nearly 130 jobs. 

In late 2024, a consortium comprising the Dutch PESO Aviation Management and the UK-based Air One Holding International acquired Air Belgium’s cargo division. The new entity, Air One Belgium, plans to operate with four cargo aircraft from Brussels Airport, with operations slated to commence in late March or early April 2025. 

Out of Air Belgium’s original 401 employees, 197, including pilots (most of whom are self-employed) and certain administrative staff, will transition to the new structure. Unfortunately, the cabin crew, who have been on economic unemployment since late October 2024, are not part of this transition. 

This development underscores the challenges faced by airlines in the current economic climate, where strategic pivots can have significant implications for the workforce. The affected employees now face the prospect of seeking new opportunities in a competitive job market.