It’s a very big day for Brussels Airlines, as they take delivery of a factory-fresh aircraft for the first time.
OO-SBA leaving Toulouse – Image Airbus.
And arriving at Brussels Airport to a water cannon salute – Image, Brussels Airlines.
The aircraft in question is an Airbus A320neo – OO-SBA. The new plane landed for the first time today in its new home base: Brussels Airport.
OO-SBA freshly christened – Image, Brussels Airlines
For Brussels Airlines, it’s a new chapter in the history of the airline, as this is the first time for Brussels Airlines to receive planes directly from the manufacturer. The A320neo uses less fuel, produces less CO2 emissions, and represents a 50% noise reduction compared to previous generation aircraft, with 20% less fuel burn per seat.
The A320neo will replace smaller A319 aircraft in the Brussels Airlines fleet with it equipped with 180 seats. It will be the first of five aircraft that will be delivered by Airbus. It will also have a longer range – with up to 500km further compared to previous aircraft the airline has operated, powered by CFM LEAP-1A Engines.
CFM LEAP-1A Engine – Image, Brussels Airlines
In terms of passenger experience, the seats appear to be the Geven Esenzza – as installed for the Lufthansa Group members.
Geven Essenza seating installed – Image, Brussels Airlines
The new baggage compartments have a 40% larger volume and can hold 60% more suitcases, as these can be stowed vertically in the compartments. Another highlight is the new flexible lighting system, which adapts to passengers’ biorhythms depending on the phase of the flight and time of day, illuminating the cabin in either warm orange or cooler blue tones.
Cabin overview – Image, Brussels Airlines
The maintenance and engineering teams of Brussels Airlines will carry out a few remaining upgrades on the aircraft in the coming weeks, after which the first commercial flight will take place.
In the maintenance hanger – Image, Brussels Airlines
In Quotes
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO of Brussels Airlines, said
“It is crucial for us to modernize our fleet to be able to reduce our carbon footprint. The A320neo reduces both noise and CO2 footprint significantly compared to the current generation of A320s. We are happy to get the first brand-new aircraft directly from Airbus in Toulouse, to be followed by 4 more by the end of next year. This is a milestone in our history, so today is really a moment of pride.”
She added
“Brussels Airlines has worked hard on becoming profitable. The first brand-new aircraft for our airline shows the continued support and trust of Lufthansa Group in our team. I would like to thank all our team members working on making Brussels Airlines successful – whether they offer excellent customer service or help in making us more effective. We’ve come a long way at Brussels Airlines, and we are happy that we start picking the fruit of our work.”
Joining an All-Airbus family
The new A320neo will join Brussels Airlines’ all-Airbus fleet of 43 aircraft, including 34 A320 Family aircraft and nine A330-300s.
For Brussels Airlines, it’s a step forward as they continue to work towards profit – as well as confidence by its owners Lufthansa that it can deliver profit in the future.
Whilst the removal of five A319s may not be much (the airline operates 16 of the type), it will allow up gauging some services in the future, as well as shine a path to future renewals and upgrades.
And providing Brussels Airlines can pull in the passengers to be profitable, then anything can happen.
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