Brussels Airlines continues to expand its fleet, with new Airbus A320neos authorised to join the operation.
Brussels Airlines Airbus A320neo – Image Brussels Airlines/David Plas Photography.
The airlines’ Board of Directors has approved the phase-in of five additional A320neo aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2027 onwards. This investment will bring the total number of A320neo aircraft in the Brussels Airlines fleet to 13.
Brussels Airlines currently operates five Airbus A320neo aircraft and expects three more to join the fleet in the coming months. The next delivery from the Airbus factory in Toulouse is scheduled for November. The new aircraft will mainly replace older-generation planes, with one dedicated to growing the fleet.
Brussels Airlines deploys the A320 family across its short- and medium-haul network.
As well as flying with fewer emissions and noise, the Airbus A320neo will offer larger overhead bins in the cabin as part of the Airspace by Airbus interior. For those passengers who bring the large rollaboard bags, it will be a welcome boost.
Further investments ahead
Brussels Airlines is also expanding its long-haul fleet to 13 Airbus A330 aircraft (with the airline operating 11 Airbus A330-300 in its fleet) and, from 2027, will introduce new cabins across its intercontinental network.
In addition, the airline plans to renovate its award-winning lounge at Brussels Airport, THE LOFT.
Details on both of those upgrades have yet to be shared.
In Quotes
Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines, said:
“Brussels Airlines has worked very hard to achieve a cost structure that allows the airline to be sustainably profitable, enabling us to reinvest in our company. The A320neo reduces our environmental footprint and offers a more pleasant experience for our passengers. We are very happy to welcome more of these state-of-the-art aircraft to our fleet.”
Managed Growth
For Brussels Airlines, growth comes gradually, rather than big-bang fleet replacements, as it continues to show its worth to the Lufthansa Group. The airline is choosing to replace some of its older aircraft (and given that they fly 14 Airbus A319 and 16 A320 of the classic types), so some of those will need to be replaced to reduce maintenance of the existing fleet.
With the airline adding and growing its fleet (with a net growth of 2 A330-300 and 1 A320neo) over the next two years, there is progressive, if managed growth to ensure the airline doesn’t grow too fast, or additional capacity is added that isn’t needed.
Sometimes, those large orders of aircraft can be both a blessing and a curse.
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