Brussels Airlines records growth of intercontinental passengers in October

During the month of October the seat load factor of Brussels Airlines flights increased, together with the volume of transported cargo. The absolute number of passengers on the European network decreased, just like in September, while the intercontinental passenger figures increased.

Compared to October last year, Brussels Airlines’ October seat load factor increased by 0.6 percentage points. The overall load factor (passengers and freight) increased by 4 percentage points. This improvement is the result of Brussels Airlines’ capacity and network strategy that optimized the seat offer on the European network and expanded the intercontinental offer.

The European market situation remains a challenge and this is reflected in the intra-European passenger trend (-5,5%), although it is partly due to the capacity decrease on some routes. The intercontinental routes, Africa and New York, attracted 27% more passengers. The New York route again recorded a seat load factor of nearly 80%.

In October Brussels Airlines launched a new scheduled service to Edinburgh (Scotland). Flights to a number of summer destinations were suspended at the beginning of the winter season.

The passenger figures of October only reflect the scheduled flights of Brussels Airlines. The passengers of charter flights operated by Brussels Airlines on behalf of tour operators are not included in these figures. 

 

  October 2012 October 2011 month/month difference in pct.
Passengers 518,110 530,223 - 2.3
Available seat-kilometres  1175.94 1125.19 + 4.5
Revenue seat-kilometres  806.26 764.77 + 5.4
Freight ton-kilometres  14124 9790 + 44.3
Overall Load factor (Passengers & cargo) 64.7 % 63.7 % + 4 pct. points
Seat Load Factor Passengers 68.6 % 68 % + 0.6 pct. points

 

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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

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