Brussels Airlines, the home carrier of Belgium and one of the four network airlines of the Lufthansa Group, has outlined planned investment in its fleet and long-haul cabins.

In a press statement, the flag carrier says it was forced to downsize its fleet during the Covid-19 pandemic but said it would add three Airbus A330 aircraft ‘in the coming years.’

Referring to itself as ‘the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group’, the airline said the extra long-haul capacity would be used to reinforce its Sub-Saharan Africa network, with the goal of making Brussels a European hub for flights to and from the continent.

Dieter Vranckx

“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,” says Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SN Airholding.

“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,” Vranckx adds.

Brussels Airlines has also hinted at the rollout of new cabin interiors across its long-haul economy, premium economy and business classes.

It says that details are set to be revealed “at a later stage,” but the airline said the cabin renewal project would represent an investment of more than EUR 100 million.

Dorothea von Boxberg

It further adds that Brussels Airlines has signed a wet lease agreement with Air Baltic, which will operate four A220 aircraft on its behalf between March and October from next year.

“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,” says Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, 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,” Boxberg adds.

The statement adds that earlier this year the carrier unveiled new uniforms for its 2,600 cabin, cockpit and ground operation staff, with the colour scheme chosen to align with its new brand identity which was unveiled in 2021.