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Belgium's flag carrier changes its top seat

Who is Lorenza Maggio, the new CEO taking over Brussels Airlines?

Lorenza Maggio, 48, will become the new chief executive of Brussels Airlines, Belgium's flag carrier, while the airline's current top executive is leaving to join German carmaker BMW, according to reporting by VRT NWS, De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad.

Belgium Impulse Editorial·9 August 2026·2 min read·
Well established· 1 primary source + 2 independent reporting sources

In 30 seconds

  • Lorenza Maggio, 48, has been named the incoming CEO of Brussels Airlines, per VRT NWS, De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad.
  • The airline's current top executive is reported to be leaving to join German carmaker BMW.
  • Brussels Airlines is Belgium's flag carrier, based at Zaventem and fully owned by the Lufthansa Group.
  • The carrier received Belgian federal support during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since worked to return to profitability.

Brussels Airlines is Belgium's flag carrier, based at Brussels Airport in Zaventem (Flanders) and fully owned by the German Lufthansa Group. Lorenza Maggio, 48, has been named its incoming chief executive, succeeding the airline's current top executive, who is reported to be leaving for German carmaker BMW. The appointment was reported by VRT NWS, De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad. The airline is a major regional employer and operates a notable long-haul network to Africa; it received Belgian federal support during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since worked to return to profitability within the Lufthansa structure.

Background

Brussels Airlines emerged from the collapse of Sabena in 2001 and the subsequent creation of SN Brussels Airlines, later merging into today's carrier. Over the past decade it was progressively absorbed into the Lufthansa Group, becoming a fully owned subsidiary. The COVID-19 pandemic forced deep cuts, job losses and a Belgian federal support package, after which the airline pursued a restructuring drive to restore profitability within the German group.

Context & what happens next

What to do

Passengers and staff should watch for any changes to routes, fleet plans and staffing under the new leadership; for now, day-to-day operations continue unchanged.

Impact

Regional — Brussels Airlines' base at Zaventem makes it a heavyweight employer in the Flemish periphery around Brussels, so leadership decisions on staffing, fleet and network affect the local labour market and the airport ecosystem directly.

Evidence
Well established · 1 primary source + 2 independent reporting sources
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Het Nieuwsblad
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Retrieved by ODIN:
9 Aug 2026
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De Standaard
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Retrieved by ODIN:
9 Aug 2026
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