Brussels Airlines has just announced the integration of five new A320 neo aircraft in 2023 and 2024expressing confidence in a continued recovery in traffic over the next few years. The aircraft will also enable the Belgian airline to offer new destinations and additional frequencies in Europe..
Fleet renewal to reduce carbon footprint
Brussels Airlines aims to halve its CO2 emissions by 2030 compared with 2019. By 2050, the airline wants to be CO2 neutral. Today, fleet renewal is the most powerful lever in its ambition to reduce CO2 emissions and flight noise levels. In addition to the three new A320 neos that will join the Brussels Airlines fleet in 2023, the airline - with the help of the Lufthansa group - is investing in two other new A320 neos. The two new A320 neos will leave the Airbus factory in 2024 and replace older A319s in the Brussels Airlines fleet.
The A320 neo consumes 15 to 20 % less fuel than the A320 ceo version. (Current Engine Option) and reduces noise by 50 %. As the A320 neo will replace A319s, fuel consumption per flight will fall by 11 %, while fuel consumption per seat for the same flight will fall by 30 % thanks to its greater seating capacity.
"As well as renewing our fleet, intermodality and alternative fuels are important levers for achieving our climate ambitions. Connecting Brussels Airport to the high-speed rail network is essential to reduce short-haul flights. This is not the case today. Furthermore, most emissions come from long-haul flights, for which there are currently no suitable alternatives. That's why we need to work with the whole industry to invest more in alternatives to fossil fuels. We aim to make the first flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2023.. However, to be able to use this more climate-friendly SAF on a large scale, major investments will have to be made in production facilities. Investments that we, as an industry, cannot afford on our own", explains Brussels Airlines CEO Peter Gerber.
Summer offer extended to new destinations
Brussels Airlines is also preparing for increased demand this summer. As well as new destinations for business and leisure travellers, the airline will be offering additional frequencies to European destinations already served.
From the start of the IATA summer season on 26 March 2023, Brussels Airlines to offer flights to Billund, Brindisi, Djerba, Monastir, Warsaw and Zurichsix new destinations.
Brussels Airlines will increase the number of flights to Berlin, Bordeaux, Chania, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Göteborg, Hamburg, Kos, Las Palmas, Lyon, Madrid, Munich, Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife.. The airline will thus improve its connections between the short-haul and long-haul networks, optimising travel opportunities for business travellers.
Brussels Airlines is forecasting growth of 10% in its European sector operations next summer, with four additional aircraft creating more than 200 jobs within the company.
