BRUSSELS, Feb.1 (Xinhua) -- New Belgian airline Air Belgium will start its first flights at the end of March this year, with Hong Kong as its first official destination.

The airline has selected Brussels South Charleroi Airport as its base for its direct flights between the heart of Europe, China and other Asian destinations due to its very convenient accessibility, efficient and renowned quality service, competitive costs and commitment to expand into a larger international airport.

"The advantages for Brussels South Charleroi Airport of having direct flights to China and Asia are: the development of long-haul flights and a response to market expectations", said Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium, on Thursday in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Air Belgium is formerly defunct and now a Belgian start-up airline headquartered in Mont-Saint-Guibert.It has been refounded by new owners in 2016 with a planned start this year.

"We're very pleased Air Belgium has chosen our airport," said Jean-Jacques Cloquet, CEO at Brussels South Airport. "Being able to welcome a company such as Air Belgium on our apron allows us to switch to a new strategy and further strengthen our international position."

"We look forward to welcoming future passengers and meeting their every need," Cloquet said at a joint press conference with Air Belgium on Wednesday.