Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior
More aircraft, over 250 extra jobs and a +100 million investments in brand-new cabins
Brussels, September 13th 2024 - 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, Brussels Airlines will invest considerably in a brand-new cabin interior. The national home carrier 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 is 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
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, Brussels Airlines
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.