SN Brussels Airlines and regional investment companies, as well as the Brussels and Walloon governments) set up SN Airholding, headed by Étienne Davignon. After the 2001 collapse of Sabena, Belgium's flag carrier airline, Belgium was left without a national airline. In February 2002, SN Airholding took over the Belgian airline DAT, a subsidiary of Sabena, and changed its trading name to SN Brussels Airlines. In 2002, a strategic reorganization started, led by the former CEO Peter Davies. On 12 April 2005 SN Brussels took holding control of Virgin Express and on 31 March 2006 they announced their merger. On 7 November 2006 they
Sabena technics of 650. More specifically aimed at regional transport and narrow-body aircraft, these facilities include, in particular: three hangars which can accommodate up to 11 aircraft at the same time, and a painting hangar approved by Airbus, which can accommodate all aircraft up to the Boeing 757. This site also houses its JV (Hydrep) with Messier Services, in charge of regional and corporate aircraft and helicopter landing gear overhaul. At Nîmes-Garons airport, Sabena technics has 20,000 m² facilities, with a workforce of over 400. Sabena technics also benefits from a site in Marseille (2,170 m²) where follow-up services are carried out