Brussels Airlines launches second phase of Student Campaign with heartwarming homecoming stories

Sub-Saharan Africa is the most important market for Brussels Airlines, and it is so much more than transporting people from A to B

Brussels, Belgium - March 3, 2025 - Brussels Airlines is proud to announce the launch of the second phase of its campaign1 celebrating African students, highlighting their journey as they take on the world. Following the successful start of the campaign in November 2023, the airline now shares the emotional reunions of Ophélia and Lionel, two students who return home to Benin after a year of studying in France.

The campaign continues to spotlight these students’ journeys, and this phase captures the heartfelt moment when they surprise their families and friends with their return. Ophélia, a passionate law and economics student, and Lionel, a talented IT scholar, both embarked on their academic journeys in France. They are driven by ambition and a desire to create a positive impact in their home country. Their emotional return to Benin symbolizes the deep bonds they share with their roots and their dreams for the future.

“We are more than just an airline that connects cities – we are part of these life-changing journeys. With this campaign, we are not only supporting students as they chase their dreams, but also celebrating the powerful moments of reconnection that education and travel create. Seeing Ophélia and Lionel thriving in France and coming back home to their families is proof that one flight can change a life. Our deep commitment to the African continent and its students is truly at the core of who we are.”
- Hoyam Louassit, Senior Marketing Manager Africa, Brussels Airlines & Lufthansa Group

Have a look at Ophélia and Lionel's videos below:

  • Ophélia's homecoming video
Ophélia: An emotional surprise visit to Benin
  • Lionel's homecoming video
Lionel: An emotional surprise visit to Benin
  • Ophélia and Lionel's reunion video
Ophélia & Lionel: An emotional surprise visit to Benin

Brussels Airlines wants to be the trusted partner for students, with a wide network of over 70 destinations in Europe and 18 across Sub-Saharan Africa. The airline offers attractive student fares, extra baggage allowances, and greater flexibility to make it easier for students to pursue their academic dreams and stay connected with loved ones back home.

For more information about Brussels Airlines’ student offers, visit this webpage.

 

Brussels Airlines celebrates aviation heritage: 100 years of connecting with Africa

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). They completed the 8,000-kilometer trip in 51 days, arriving on April 3, 1925. Their journey laid the foundation for a lasting connection, one that Brussels Airlines continues to honor and strengthen today.

More details in this press release.

1 Brussels Airlines launches new campaign for the African market: African students taking on the world

 

 

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About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is the home carrier of Belgium and one of the four network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. It connects the European capital from Brussels Airport with over 90 destinations, 18 of which are in Sub Saharan Africa. The company employs more than 3,500 people and operates 44 aircraft.

Brussels Airlines aims to emit 50% less CO2 by 2030 compared to 2019 and plans to be carbon neutral by 2050. The airline is participating in the Stargate Project led by Brussels Airport and is therefore part of the testing ground for sustainable aviation at its home base. In addition, the airline signed the Circular Economy agreement of the Antwerp Management School in 2021. The airline was the first to transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the CEPS-pipeline connecting Brussels Airport early 2023. Since end 2024, Brussels Airlines has welcomed five state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo allowing the airline to significantly lower its CO2- and noise-emissions on its medium-haul network.

As an ambassador of its country, Brussels Airlines brings the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world, among others through collaborations with Belgian Star Chefs, Belgian culinary products and the Belgian Icons, specially painted aircraft that honour a Belgian iconic person, team or event to promote Belgian culture worldwide.

More information on brusselsairlines.com 


About Star Alliance

Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, the Star Alliance network was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Since its inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience throughout the entire Alliance journey.

Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 17,500 daily flights to over 1,150 airports in almost 190 countries.

Star Alliance Press Office: +65 8729 6691; mediarelations@staralliance.com
More information on staralliance.com

Contact

b.house Zone General Aviation - Airport Building 26 1831 Diegem

+32 2 723 89 90

press@brusselsairlines.com

www.brusselsairlines.com