Brussels Airlines to operate 40 per cent of long-haul programme by August
by Mark CaswellBrussels Airlines has outlined plans for its resumption of flights.
The Lufthansa Group carrier grounded its entire fleet on March 24, and recently announced plans to resume flying on June 15.
The airline said that “Based on market demand and ongoing travel restrictions, the airline will offer an adapted and downsized summer schedule, which will consist of approximately 30 per cent of Brussels Airlines’ originally planned summer schedule in Europe and 40 per cent of the long-haul summer programme”.
Brussels Airlines intends to gradually ramp up operations to a total of 59 European and long-haul destinations by August comprising 240 weekly flights.
Across Europe it will serve 45 destinations in 20 countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, France and Denmark, while its long-haul network will operate to 13 out of its 17 African destinations, as well as New York JFK.
The carrier said that its planned new route to Montreal “will join the network during the course of next year”.
It said that “The airline expects to welcome holidaymakers and customers visiting family and friends after the long lock-down period, but is also offering some important business destinations such as Berlin, Geneva and London”.
The complete list of destinations set to be served can be seen here – but note that reservations systems are currently being updated. From June 2 customers whose flights have been changed will be able to use the ‘My Booking’ section of the carrier’s website to see their new itinerary.
The airline has also published a YouTube video detailing how it has rebuilt its network following the coronavirus pandemic.
Brussels Airlines recently announced plans to cut its fleet by 16 aircraft (from 54 to 38 planes), a reduction of 30 per cent.
Commenting on the resumption of services Dieter Vranckx, CEO Brussels Airlines, said:
“We are very much looking forward to restarting our activities and welcoming back our guests and part of our staff. We are taking all measures to protect them during their journey with us.
“This summer, we will start small to follow market demand, but we plan to expand our network from September onwards as demand rises again and restrictions are lifted. By the end of this year we hope to offer 50 per cent of the flight schedule as planned before the coronavirus crisis broke out.”
Earlier this month Lufthansa Group announced plans to offer around 1,800 weekly services to more than 130 destinations worldwide by the end of June.