Brussels Airlines, member of Lufthansa Group and a Star Alliance member, recorded growth every month of the year in 2017 and highlights included the launch of Mumbai, the integration of Thomas Cook flight activities and the farewell of the AVRO aircraft. The carrier started 2017 with an anniversary celebration on 15 February. During the anniversary year, Brussels Airlines continued its growth strategy. In spring, Mumbai, the first Brussels Airlines destination in Asia, was added to the network. The short/medium haul network expanded with Yerevan, Palma, Rhodes and Madeira.
A fleet harmonization project included the phase-out of the AVRO RJ type with 98 seats, which were replaced by larger Airbus A319/A320 aircraft with 40 per cent and 80 per cent more seating capacity respectively. The very last AVRO RJ left the fleet on 28 October after a Geneva flight that attracted spotters from about ten countries to Brussels Airport.
External growth was achieved thanks to the integration of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium’s activities at the end of October. The vast majority of Thomas Cook holidaymakers now fly with Brussels Airlines. As a result, Brussels Airlines expanded its flight network with new winter sun destinations (Cape Verde, Tunisia, the Canary Islands and Egypt). The partnership will also add a series of new Mediterranean destinations, including the Greek islands, to the network next spring.
With these investments, Brussels Airlines is expected to exceed the number of 9 million passengers in 2017 and increase its market share on the Belgian home market. This growth pace will continue in 2018 with the replacement of 7 Airbus A330 aircraft.
