Brussels Airlines is pursuing its fleet renewal schedule with the addition of three more Airbus A320neo aircraft over the next year and a half. Since autumn 2023, the carrier has already received five other A320neos, meaning a total of eight will be flying the Belgian flag by summer 2026.
Greener, quieter, and “a joy to fly”
A model that is significantly greener than the previous A319, two of which are set to be retired from the Brussels Airline fleet thanks to the new arrivals, the A320neo uses less fuel, produces 20% fewer CO2 emissions and is 50% quieter. What’s more, being a larger aircraft than the A319, the neo reduces emissions per passenger by up to 30%. But improved environmental credentials are not the only benefit the aircraft will bring, as CEO Dorothea von Boxberg explained in a press statement.
“Being able to add extra brand-new aircraft is a win-win-win: by replacing older aircraft by the most fuel-efficient aircraft on the market, we reduce our impact on the environment. We are also growing our fleet, which creates extra jobs and improves connectivity for Belgium. And last but not least: the A320neo is a joy to fly, both for passengers and crew, thanks to it’s upgraded, comfortable cabins, the quietness during the flight and additional space for hand luggage,” von Boxberg said.
As well as 40% larger overhead bins and new ergonomic seating, the aircraft features adjustable cabin lighting, claimed to help passengers “feel more energized after their flight,” according to a press release.
An older fleet than competitor TUIfly
Competitor TUIfly has a fleet that Flanders news site VRT describes as a third younger than Brussels Airlines, whose average craft is 16.7 years old. The older the craft, the less efficient and more polluting they are, but the Belgian flag carrier is keen to emphasise the positive, noting that the “cost-base” state the airline has reached means it is able to be profitable in what it says is a “sustainable way”. The latest investment in new aircraft is a “very tangible result of this strategy” it said.
The A320neo has 180 seats and is set to be deployed on both short-haul and medium-haul flights. Meanwhile, on the company’s long-haul network, three Airbus A330 aircraft will be added “in coming years”, complemented by a complete cabin redesign for the existing long-haul fleet, representing an input of over 100 million euros.
But even that sum cannot guarantee that the fleet renewal will go without a hitch. While the coming A320neos are expected to join the Brussels Airlines’ fleet in the first six months of 2026, “this timeline can move due to worldwide supply chain delays of the aircraft manufacturers” the company’s press release hedged.
