Hongyuan Group, headquartered at the airport economic area of Beijing Capital International Airport, has taken over the 7.7% Air Belgium shares owned by Hong Kong-based Aviation Investment Holding and bring fresh capital into the company to reach up to 49% of the shares.

The other 51% would remain in the hands of current Belgian shareholders (SRIW, Sogepa, SFPI, 3T Management – the company of CEO Niky Terzakis – and Sabena Aerospace) and the airline would thus retain its European status.

With fresh money, two ex-Saudia Boeing 747-8F aircraft (HZ-AI3 and HZ-AI4) have been leased from Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) for cargo operations. One of them has taken the OE-LFD registration and has been painted in a mixed Saudia/Hongyuang/Air Belgium colors.

Photo by Javier Rodriguez reporting from Spain.