Sabena

Sabena's 2001 bankruptcy ended Belgium's 78-year-old flag carrier and triggered Swissair's collapse. The airline had been chronically unprofitable for decades, surviving on government subsidies and Swiss investment. When Swissair bought a 49.5% stake, Sabena's problems became Swissair's problems. September 11 delivered the final blow. Sabena's failure demonstrated how national pride can preserve zombies: Belgium kept the airline alive for prestige long past economic viability. The successor, SN Brussels Airlines, eventually merged into Lufthansa's network.