Brussels Airlines has begun serving regional beers from Flemish Brabant on its long-haul flights, marking a first for the carrier and a new showcase for Belgian brewing heritage at cruising altitude.
Passengers can now order a curated selection of local beers with their meal, including nine lambic styles such as geuze and kriek, traditionally produced in the Pajottenland and the Zenne Valley. The initiative adds a distinctly Belgian dimension to the onboard experience, particularly in business class.
A chef-led tribute to Belgian craftsmanship
The beer menu was developed by Michelin-starred chef Glenn Verhasselt, who has been Brussels Airlines’ culinary partner since the beginning of the year. Verhasselt, chef of the two-star restaurant Sir Kwinten, worked closely with beer sommelier Sofie Vanrafelghem to select 12 traditionally brewed beers from Flemish Brabant.
The final lineup places a strong emphasis on lambics that reflect the region’s centuries-old brewing traditions, bringing authentic local flavours on board long-distance flights.
Traditional geuze reaches the skies
One of the highlights is Gueuze Extra from Hanssens Geuze Brewery. According to brewery representative John Matthys, this marks the first time traditional geuze is being served on board an aeroplane.
For Matthys, the moment also carries personal significance. A former air traffic controller who spent many years working in the control tower at Zaventem, he described it as particularly meaningful to see his beer served at an altitude of 12,000 metres.
A broad selection from Flemish Brabant
The onboard menu includes Gronckel Blond from Vrijstaat Vanmol, Boon Oude Geuze Mariage Parfait, Oude Kriek Oud Beersel, the grape lambic Muscar Elle from Lambiek Fabriek, Oude Geuze Cuvée Armand & Gaston, and Pruim Mirabelle from 3 Fonteinen, Timmermans Oude Geuze, and Chouke from Belgoo.
Three additional regional beers complete the selection: Cornet from Palm Brewery, Alpaïde from ’t Nieuwhuys, and Saison from Hof ten Dormaal.
By introducing these regional beers on long-haul flights, Brussels Airlines strengthens its commitment to promoting Belgian gastronomy and craftsmanship to an international audience, pairing air travel with flavours deeply rooted in local tradition.
