Brussels Airlines records seat load factor increase of 6 percent in March
During the last month of the winter season 465,138 passengers flew with Brussels Airlines. On board the long haul flights to Africa and New York a significant passenger- and seat load factor increase was recorded. The daily service to New York achieved an average seat load factor of 81.9 percent and an additional 8.9 percent passengers travelled with Brussels Airlines to Africa.
On the European network, less seats were offered according to the “Beyond 2012-2013” management plan. This capacity decrease led however to an increased seat load factor of the intra-European flights (+2.4 pct points).
The end of March marked the beginning of the summer season in aviation. As from the Easter weekend Brussels Airlines increased its flight frequencies to some leisure destinations and to several African destinations.
These passenger figures 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.
| March 2013 | March 2012 | month/month difference in percent | |
| Passengers | 465,138 | 458,838 | + 1.4 |
| Available seat-kilometres (2 dec. pts) | 1062.65 | 1034.48 | + 2.7 |
| Revenue seat-kilometres (2 dec. pts) | 739.86 | 657.89 | + 12.5 |
| Freight ton-kilometres (no dec. pts.) | 13,602 | 12,794 | + 6.3 |
| Overall Loadfactor (Passengers & freight) | 61.2 % | 57.8% | + 3.4 pct points |
| Passenger Load Factor (PLF) | 69.6 % | 63.6% | + 6 pct points |