Brussels Airlines Celebrates Aviation Heritage: 100 years of connecting with Africa

On this exact day, a century ago the first flight connected Brussels and Kinshasa

12/2/25

© Thieffry Family - Princesse Marie-José & Georges Nélis

Brussels, February 12, 2025 - A century ago, a pioneering flight linked Belgium and the African continent. On February 12, 1925, three Belgian aviators took off on an ambitious journey from Brussels to Léopoldville (now Kinshasa), completing the 8,000-kilometer trip in 51 days. Their journey laid the foundation for a lasting connection, one that Brussels Airlines continues to honor and strengthen today.

On February 12, 1925, a Handley Page W.8F aircraft left Haren (Brussels), embarking on a journey that would span 51 days and cover more than 8,000 kilometres. On board of the "Princesse Marie-José" navigator Edmond Thieffry, pilot Léopold Roger, and engineer Jef de Bruycker faced numerous obstacles, including unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, and the vast expanse of the African continent. Despite the hurdles, the crew's determination and the aircraft's resilience ensured the mission's success. Their journey laid the foundation for a lasting connection, one that Brussels Airlines continues to honor and strengthen today.

Brussels Airlines committed to be a reliable partner with the African continent
The African continent has always been at the heart of Brussels Airlines’ mission. With 18 destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, the airline plays an important role in connecting people, cultures and economies. The launch of Nairobi in June 2024 further solidified this commitment, bringing its share of Lufthansa Group’s sub-Saharan destinations to 56%.

Beyond the major hubs, Brussels Airlines connects niche markets often overlooked by other European carriers, including Banjul (The Gambia), Bujumbura (Burundi), Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Monrovia (Liberia). These routes primarily serve Visiting Friends & Relatives (VFR) and trade traffic, reinforcing economic and cultural ties between Africa and Europe.

As the African Competence Center of the Lufthansa Group, the Belgian airline leverages its extensive and deep-rooted expertise in the African market to benefit all sister airlines. The airline operates city offices in several African destinations and has cultivated strong partnerships to gain deep market insights.

This dedication was never more evident than during the Ebola crisis in 2014, when Brussels Airlines was the only carrier that continued to link Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with Europe – during a time where air connectivity was more vital than ever.

“Looking ahead, we will expand our long-haul fleet with an 11th Airbus A330 starting operations in June, followed by two more aircraft in the coming years. This year’s additional 10% capacity will strengthen the existing routes while we also explore new destinations as from next year. As we embark on the next century of aviation between Belgium and the African continent, we will continue to invest, innovate, and serve our passengers with our expertise, commitment and passion.”
- Dorothea von Boxberg, CEO, Brussels Airlines

Some historic data

1923: Start operations of Sabena the national carrier of Belgium.
1925: First Flight Brussels-Léopoldville: On February 12, 1925, three Belgian aviators completed the first flight between the Belgian and Congolese capitals in 51 days, aboard a Handley Page W.8F aircraft, ‘Princesse Marie-José’.
1935: First Commercial Flight: Sabena launched the first regular passenger service between Brussels and Léopoldville, using a Fokker F-VII/3m aircraft, with flights taking approximately five and a half days.
1960: First Non-Stop Flight: On January 19, 1960, Sabena operated its first direct Brussels-Léopoldville flight with a Boeing 707, marking a major advancement in transcontinental travel.
2002: creation of SN Brussels Airlines after the bankruptcy of Sabena.
2007: creation of Brussels Airlines after the merger with Virgin Express.
2025: Brussels Airlines operates daily non-stop flights between Brussels and Kinshasa in approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.