Brussels Airlines will significantly grow its long-haul fleet by adding three Airbus A330 aircraft, bringing its widebody fleet to 13 in the coming years. Next to that, Belgium‘s flag carrier will invest considerably in a brand-new cabin interior.
Brussels Airlines signed a contract with a wet-lease partner as well, who will seasonally operate four Airbus A220 aircraft on behalf of the carrier as from the summer season 2025. The airline also has growth intentions on its short- and medium-haul fleet.
Brussels Airlines positions itself as the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group, and plans to continue strengthening its position in the continent. Many African countries have growing populations and economies, increasing the demand for air travel. Therefore, three Airbus A330 aircraft will join the Belgian airline’s fleet in the coming years.
The Belgian home carrier will mainly use the extra long-haul capacity to reinforce its Sub-Saharan Africa network. The ambition is to make Brussels a European hub for flights to and from Africa.
“The demand for flights to and from Sub-Saharan Africa is developing at a fast pace and it is crucial for Lufthansa Group to grow its footprint in the region. Brussels Airlines is the perfect airline to do just that as its expertise and presence on the continent is unparalleled. This is unique and makes us confident about the success of this expansion project”, Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SN Airholding, says in the press release.
250 extra employees
To support the long-haul growth plans, more than 250 new employees will be hired at Brussels Airlines. These will range from pilots to cabin crew, maintenance & engineering colleagues, airport and office staff. Moreover, expanding the fleet will create career opportunities for the current airline employees, for example as captain, senior purser or instructor. Additional jobs will also be created at suppliers’ and partners’ side, e.g. in ground handling.
Significant investment in new cabins
The airline is planning to gradually introduce a brand-new cabin interior, to further elevate the inflight experience on the long-haul destinations. Details of the new cabin will be revealed at a later stage. These new cabins will be installed for all three classes: business class, premium economy and economy class.
The cabin renewal project is a considerable investment of more than 100 million euros, a clear sign of confidence in the future of Brussels Airlines and a tangible result of the ambition to offer all customers a premium experience.
“Brussels Airlines is further embarking on its profitable growth path and we continue putting Africa at the heart of our long-haul strategy. The multi-million investment in cabin interior allows us to offer our customers an even more premium experience. This is a moment of pride for everyone at Brussels Airlines. I’m also already looking forward to welcoming the new colleagues who will join us to enable our growth. It’s with great pleasure that we will offer more connections to our increasing number of passengers on our growing network”, Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO at Brussels Airlines, says.
Three-year wet-lease agreement signed
The national carrier also signed a three-year wet-lease agreement starting in 2025 with Air Baltic. The partner will seasonally operate four Airbus A220s for Brussels Airlines between end of March and October. With 148 seats, these planes are perfect aircraft for regional routes and routes with lower demand.
The Belgian airline has growth intentions with its own short- and medium-haul fleet as well. More information on these plans will follow in due time.
Brussels Airlines news
- Brussels Airlines pleased with its punctuality during 2024 summer holiday season.
- Brussels Airlines’ new Belgian Icon livery to be more Belgian than ever: public gets to vote.
- Brussels Airlines wins prestigious wine awards.
- Brussels Airlines is ready for the busy 2024 summer season.
- Brussels Airlines now connects Belgium and Nairobi in Kenya.
- Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Lufthansa present four ‘Yes to Europe’ aircraft in Brussels.
- World premiere: Brussels Airlines and Tomorrowland present aircraft with augmented reality in new livery.
- Brussels Airlines sees increase of leisure travellers in business class.
- Brussels Airlines’ The Loft wins Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge award for the sixth time in a row.
- Brussels Airlines drops new uniforms and more inclusive style guide.
- Brussels Airlines’ first Airbus A320neo performs its maiden flight to Vienna.
- Brussels Airlines and Tomorrowland party flights to use 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
💜
💙
Belgium‘s main airline Brussels Airlines is preparing to introduce a new aircraft in its well-known ‘Belgian Icon‘ series, with the official unveiling scheduled for 12…
Starting February 6, tune in to RTL-TVI for ‘Bienvenue à Bord‘, a reality show offering an exclusive look at the daily operations of Brussels Airlines.…
Today, Brussels Airlines proudly presented its latest Belgian Icon, a tribute to one of Belgium’s most internationally cherished creations: Tintin. The airline revealed its freshly…
Today, Brussels Airlines proudly presents its latest Belgian Icon, a tribute to one of Belgium’s most internationally cherished creations: Tintin. The airline revealed its freshly painted aircraft (Airbus A320 – OO‑SNJ), inspired by Hergé’s universe and the famous adventures on the Moon and in space.
It is the
As of September 2026, Deutsche Bahn will connect Brussels Airport with Cologne with a high-speed train, linking German passengers in only 2 hours to the more than 180 direct destinations of Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines launches a codeshare agreement with German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, which means that the train
As of September 2026, Deutsche Bahn will connect Brussels Airport with Cologne with a high-speed train, linking German passengers in only 2 hours to the…
Brussels Airlines will enhance the passenger experience in its different booking classes, both on short-haul and long-haul flights, a press release says. The biggest investment goes to Premium Economy on long-haul flights, with improved tableware and more meal options and an improved service flow, but other booking classes will see
Brussels Airlines will enhance the passenger experience in its different booking classes, both on short-haul and long-haul flights, a press release says. The biggest investment…
Brussels Airlines will enhance the passenger experience in its different booking classes, both on short-haul and long-haul flights, a press release says. The biggest investment…
Brussels Airlines notes increased demand for travel within Europe and is therefore adding approximately 170 flights to several European destinations this summer. In parallel, Brussels…
Brussels Airlines notes increased demand for travel within Europe and is therefore adding approximately 170 flights to several European destinations this summer. In parallel, Brussels…
All passengers on long-haul flights of Brussels Airlines will now receive Ralph & Roxy‘s ice creams on board. Philippe Bogaert, who until recently produced ice…
All passengers on long-haul flights of Brussels Airlines will now receive Ralph & Roxy‘s ice creams on board. Philippe Bogaert, who until recently produced ice…
The Lufthansa Group is reducing its summer flight schedule by nearly one percent in available seat kilometres (ASK), citing soaring jet fuel prices and a…
The Lufthansa Group is reducing its summer flight schedule by nearly one percent in available seat kilometres (ASK), citing soaring jet fuel prices and a…
Brussels Airlines, alongside its sister carriers within the Lufthansa Group, is set to introduce a new fare structure that will see the end of free…