Brussels Airlines marks the century of Belgian air service to Africa

Belgian national airline Brussels Airlines is celebrating a 100-year flight between Belgium and Africa. Belgium and African services began with a flight to Congo, Belgium (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1925 and today. Brussels Airlines

It serves 18 destinations across the continent.

The evolution of flights to Africa

The first flight to Africa took off from Haren (Brussels) on February 12, 1925, and arrived at Leopoldville (now Kinshasa) 51 days later. The flight was run by Handlee Page W.8F aircraft equipped with navigator Edmund Tiffleigh, pilot Leopoldroger and engineer Jeff Debruiker.

The 8,000km journey laid the foundation for long-term connections between the two countries. In 1935, Sabena, a Belgian domestic airline that began its operation in 1923, started its first regular passenger flight between Brussels and Leopoldville using the Fokker F-VII/3M. The new equipment reduced the journey to five and a half days.

With the evolution of aircraft technology, Savena began operating non-stop flights using the Boeing 707 between Brussels and Leopoldville on January 19, 1960. Today, Brussels Airlines operates daily flights between the two capitals Airbus A330

.

Strong commitment to Africa

SN Brussels Airlines was created in 2002 after Sabena's bankruptcy. The national airline became Brussels Airlines in 2002 after it merged with Virgin Express. The airline continues to serve Africa and has since expanded its destinations, becoming a key market for Africa's operations.

Belgian airlines currently serve 18 destinations in sub-Saharan Africa, including niche markets such as Banjul (Gambia), Bujumbura (Burundi), Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Monrovia (Liberia). . During the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Africa, Brussels Airlines was the only airline to fly between Europe and Gniea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

This summer

The airline operates 56 flights per week to sub-Saharan Africa
an increase of 10% from last summer. The carrier will be supplied with the 11th Airbus A330, allowing increased frequencies for Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana), and several other destinations.

The flight to Nairobi was released in June 2024
has now reached 56% of the Lufthansa Group's airlines' destinations in sub-Saharan destinations. Starting in March 2025, Kinshasa will be holding daily non-stop flights from Brussels. The route is currently run 5 non-stops per week and 2 times per week via Luanda (Angola). Speaking about the expansion, Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea von Boxberg said,

“Looking ahead, we will expand our long-range fleet with the 11th Airbus A330 launch work in June, and we will expand two more aircraft over the next few years. This year's additional 10% capacity will be the same as the existing one. We will strengthen our routes, but also explore new destinations as next year. As we embark on the next century of aviation between Belgium and the African continent, we will be releasing passengers to our expertise, commitment and passion We will continue to invest, innovate and serve in our company.”

Brussels Airlines plays an important role in connecting people, culture and economy. The long-range fleet is planned to expand to 13 aircraft over the next few years. The company also aims to introduce new cabin interiors across business, premium economy and economy classes by 2027.

The Luftansa Group of Africa

Brussels Airlines is the “Lufthansa Group's Africa Capacity Centre” which leverages its extensive African market presence to benefit all its sister airlines. Airlines have several offices in the countries they serve, creating strong partnerships and gaining deep market insights.

Lufthansa Group currently serves more than 45 destinations in Africa from various European hubs. Its large network covers major cities, financial centres and well-known leisure destinations.

Ita Airways recently joined the Lufthansa Group
Following a $350 million deal to take the first 41% stake in the Italian airline. The ITA will expand the group's multi-brand multi-hub strategy by participating in other European careers.

According to data from aerial analytics firm Cirium, ITA serves six African destinations in Rome Fiumicino. The main destinations offered by Lufthansa Group include Cairo, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos and Casablanca. Last year, Luftanza resumed flights from Munich to Johannesburg nearly 20 years later.