BRUSSELS AIRLINES EYES 2018/19 PERIOD TO ACQUIRE 7 NEW AIRBUS A330-300CEO’S
(Posted 23rd May 2017)
‘Just a few months after the complete acquisition of Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, on behalf of the Eurowings Group, takes an important investment decision, confirming its confidence in the sustainable future and development of Brussels Airlines in general and its successful long-haul operations in particular. This is the largest investment project in Brussels Airlines’ 15-year history. Thanks to this fleet replacement project, we will be able to offer our customers even more comfort, with quieter, more efficient and even more environmental friendly aircraft. Also in terms of the on-board service, we wish to offer our guests a unique travel experience in an exclusive Business Class, a revamped Economy Privilege and a new Economy Class. In our efforts to continuously improve our offering in our Brussels hub, we want to offer our guests a travel experience that really makes them feel at home and our crews the possibility to go the extra smile that our guests deserve every day‘ said Bernard Gustin, the CEO of Brussels Airlines when commenting on the intended replacement of the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet in 2018 and 2019, when at least 7 aircraft leases expire.
The replacement aircraft will all be Airbus A330-300 variants, the larger of the two available for airlines, and again be the ‘classic‘ version instead of the ‘NEO‘ kind now entering the market. All new aircraft will according to information received be powered by Rolls Royce Trent 700 engines. This will simplify maintenance as this powerplant is now common across the Lufthansa Group and will reduce maintenance and part storage cost.
It could not be established though if the new aircraft will be of the ‘enhanced‘ 242 ton version which would allow for an increase in cargo capacity.
Airline sources also confirmed that the long haul fleet renewal will also bring with it an entirely new cabin layout with all three classes, Business, Economy Privilege and Economy seeing new seat products being introduced.
Especially Business and Economy Privilege, both with a new state of the art cabin layout, will no doubt catch the eye of travelers, even though Brussels Airlines’ present business class is already among the best in the skies.
The decision of the airline’s board also finally takes off the table any possible integration into the Lufthansa low cost airline structure which had at one time been suggested and ruffled feathers in Belgium before the full acquisition of Brussels Airlines’ shares by the Lufthansa group.
Brussels Airlines, in the best tradition of Belgian aviation, will remain a full service airline, connecting Europe’s capital city with more destinations in Africa than any other European airline.
In East Africa does Brussels Airlines serve Entebbe / Uganda five times a week and also flies six times a week to Kigali / Rwanda, once in conjunction with Bujumbura / Burundi.
