DIEGEM- Brussels Airlines (SN) is set to significantly expand its long-haul fleet by adding three Airbus A330 aircraft, increasing its widebody fleet to 13 in the coming years and eyes more flights to Africa.
The airline will also invest over 100 million euros in new cabin interiors across all classes, aiming to enhance the inflight experience for passengers.
Brussels Airlines Africa Plans
The national carrier plans to strengthen its position as the Africa expert within the Lufthansa Group by reinforcing its Sub-Saharan Africa network. This expansion responds to the growing demand for air travel in African countries with burgeoning populations and economies.
Brussels Airlines aims to establish Brussels, Belgium as a key European hub for African flights.
To support this growth, the airline will hire more than 250 new employees across various roles, including pilots, cabin crew, maintenance staff, and office personnel.
The expansion will also create career advancement opportunities for current employees and generate additional jobs with suppliers and partners.
Dieter Vranckx, Chairman of the Board of Directors, of SN Airholding said,
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. 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.”
Dieter Vranckx
In addition to its long-haul expansion, Brussels Airlines has secured a three-year wet-lease agreement with Air Baltic, starting in 2025.
This partnership will involve the seasonal operation of four Airbus A220 aircraft on behalf of Brussels Airlines from late March to October. These 148-seat planes are well-suited for regional routes and those with lower demand.
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, of Brussels Airlines, said
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. 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.”
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, of Brussels Airlines
Star Alliance Hub
Air Canada (AC), Lufthansa Group (LH), and United Airlines (UA) have formed a partnership to create a transcontinental hub connecting North America with Africa through Brussels. This initiative builds on Brussels Airlines’ growing Africa-bound network while leveraging transatlantic routes from the U.S. and Canada.
On March 30, United Airlines launched a second daily flight between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Brussels Airport (BRU) using a Boeing 757-200. This flight will run until October 26, 2024, complementing United’s existing year-round 787-10 service on the same route.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, confirmed adjustments to improve connectivity between North America and Africa.
He announced plans to adjust the schedule for the second EWR-BRU flight, aiming for an earlier departure to reduce connecting times for Africa-bound travelers. Details of these changes are expected to be finalized in the summer of 2025.
Brussels Airlines flights to and from Washington and New York, alongside United’s year-round flight, align with this strategy. The seasonal second daily flight will be retimed to better serve the Africa network, requiring an earlier arrival in Brussels.
Despite these plans, Brussels Airlines’ CEO revealed that there will be minimal growth until 2026, when more aircraft become available, offering potential for future expansion.
Europe-Africa Air Travel Market Analysis
The Europe-Africa air travel corridor has seen significant growth and shifts in recent years, with several airlines carving out substantial market share in this lucrative sector. A recent analysis by AIR SERVICE ONE, using Cirium data for the third quarter of 2024, provides insights into the top players and emerging trends in this market.
Market Leaders by Total ASKs
Air France leads the pack with the highest total Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) allocated to Europe-Africa routes at 7.98 billion. This is followed by Turkish Airlines (5.46bn) and Ryanair (4.27bn). The top five are rounded out by British Airways (3.83bn) and Ethiopian Airlines (3.21bn), showcasing a mix of European and African carriers dominating the market.
Specialized Carriers
While not topping the list in total ASKs, some airlines have carved out a niche by dedicating a significant portion of their capacity to Europe-Africa routes:
- Brussels Airlines: Despite ranking 11th in total ASKs (2.32bn), it allocates an impressive 41.6% of its network ASKs to African routes, the highest percentage among major carriers.
- Royal Air Maroc: Close behind, dedicating 39.4% of its ASKs to this market.
- Transavia France: Surprisingly high at 33.2%, explained by its focus on North African destinations like Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.
- EGYPTAIR: Allocates 24.9% of its ASKs to Europe-Africa routes, reflecting Egypt’s strategic position as a gateway between the continents.
Market Growth and Trends
The analysis reveals robust growth in the Europe-Africa market since Q3 2019:
- Flight frequency increased by 20%
- Seat capacity grew by 23%
- ASKs expanded by 14%
Interestingly, ASK growth lagged behind seat growth, indicating a trend toward shorter average sector lengths. This is attributed to increased growth between Europe and North Africa, particularly driven by low-cost carriers operating shorter routes.
The data suggests a shift in focus towards North African destinations, with airlines like Transavia France prioritizing Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria in their route networks. This trend aligns with the observed shorter sector lengths and could be driven by factors such as tourism, business ties, and diaspora communities.
Looking Ahead
As the Europe-Africa air travel market continues to evolve, we can expect:
- Increased competition, especially in North African routes
- Potential for more specialized carriers to emerge, following the model of Brussels Airlines and Royal Air Maroc
- Continued growth in flight frequencies and seat capacities, possibly outpacing ASK growth as short-haul routes remain popular
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