Brussels Airlines’ passenger growth continues in September

Brussels Airlines again recorded a passenger growth this September. Compared to the same period last year, 72,709 more passengers traveled with Brussels Airlines. The seat load factor increased to 82.5%.

September is traditionally a busy month for Brussels Airlines. On the one hand, business traffic picks up after the summer holiday, on the other hand, holiday destinations remain very popular for late summer vacations. In addition, a lot of expats returning home after a vacation in their home country, especially on board flights from or to Africa.

This resulted in a passenger growth of 8.9% over the past month. Noteworthy was the steady increase in the number of passengers that flew on European flights (+8.7%). The African network also contributed significantly to growth (+6%).

In total 886,617 passengers flew on a Brussels Airlines flight. The number of flights offered in September increased by 0.8% but the number of passengers grew faster, which led to an increase of the seat load factor, which amounted to 82.5%. It is the first time the seat load factor exceeded 80% in a September month.

The transported freight volume also grew. The cargo load factor increased by 13.9 percentage points and the Revenue Ton-Kilometers increased by 15.8%.

These statistics do not include the passengers on board of the many charter flights Brussels Airlines operates on behalf of tour operators.

 

  Month Month difference in % 
sep/17 sep/16
Flights 7,438 7,380 0.8%
Total Passengers 886,617 813,908 8.9%
-- Passengers Europe 742,691 683,498 8.7%
-- Passengers Africa 82,053 77,387 6.0%
-- Passengers North America 35,922 35,177 2.1%
-- Passengers Middle East 18,027 17,846 1.0%
-- Passengers Asia 7,924 / /
Available seat-kilometers  (ASK) 1,780,726,685 1,642,772,969 8.4%
Revenue Passenger-Kilometers  (RPK) 1,469,565,089 1,312,715,898 11.9%
Passenger Load Factor (%) 82.5% 79.9% 2.6 pp.
Available Ton-Kilometers (ATK)     212,043 194,318 9.1%
Revenue Ton-Kilometers  (RTK) 168,541 145,519 15.8%
Cargo Load Factor (%) 69.8% 55.9% 13.9 pp.
Figures based on preliminary data currently available 

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About Brussels Airlines

About Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines is Belgium's home carrier and one of the network airlines of the Lufthansa Group. From its hub at Brussels Airport, the airline connects Belgium and Europe with more than 90 destinations worldwide, including 18 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Belgian airline employs more than 3,500 people and operates a fleet of 46 aircraft.

Brussels Airlines is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and works together with Lufthansa Group on a range of initiatives. The airline participates in the Stargate project led by Brussels Airport, signed the Circular Economy agreement of Antwerp Management School, and was the first airline to - early 2023 - transport Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through the CEPS pipeline to Brussels Airport. Between November 2023 and June 2026, Brussels Airlines has welcomed eight brand-new Airbus A320neo aircraft, significantly reducing fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and noise levels across its European network.

As an ambassador for its country, Brussels Airlines brings the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world. The airline showcases Belgian culture through collaborations with Belgian Star Chefs, the promotion of Belgian products on board, and its Belgian Icons aircraft, which celebrate unique elements of Belgium's culture and heritage.

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 almost 18,000 daily flights to over 1,160 airports in more than 190 countries.

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

Contact

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+32 2 723 89 90

press@brusselsairlines.com

www.brusselsairlines.com