Brussels Airlines is set to significantly enhance its long-haul operations with the addition of three new Airbus A330 aircraft, expanding its widebody fleet to a total of 13 planes in the coming years. The Belgian carrier is also planning a major investment in a new cabin interior to upgrade the inflight experience. Additionally, the airline has entered into a wet-lease agreement for seasonal operations of four Airbus A220 aircraft starting in the summer of 2025, further supporting its short- and medium-haul services.
As the Lufthansa Group’s Africa specialist, Brussels Airlines aims to strengthen its position on the continent. The addition of the Airbus A330s will primarily bolster the airline’s Sub-Saharan Africa network, with the goal of positioning Brussels as a key European hub for flights to and from Africa.
Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SN Airholding, stated, “The demand for flights to and from Sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly. It is crucial for the Lufthansa Group to expand its presence in this region, and Brussels Airlines is ideally suited for this task due to its unparalleled expertise and presence on the continent. We are confident in the success of this expansion project.”
To support its expanded fleet, Brussels Airlines will recruit over 250 new employees, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance and engineering staff, as well as airport and office personnel. This growth will also create additional job opportunities with suppliers and partners, such as in ground handling.
The airline is investing more than 100 million euros in a comprehensive cabin renewal project, aiming to enhance the inflight experience across all three classes: business, premium economy, and economy. Details of the new cabin design will be announced at a later date.
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, commented, “Brussels Airlines is embarking on a path of profitable growth, with Africa at the core of our long-haul strategy. The significant investment in our cabin interiors reflects our commitment to providing a premium experience for our passengers. We are excited about welcoming new team members to support our expansion and offering more connections to our growing number of passengers.”
Additionally, Brussels Airlines has signed a three-year wet-lease agreement with Air Baltic, effective from 2025. Under this agreement, Air Baltic will operate four Airbus A220s for Brussels Airlines from late March to October. These 148-seat aircraft are ideal for regional and lower-demand routes.
Further details on the expansion of Brussels Airlines’ short- and medium-haul fleet will be announced in the near future.