Brussels Airlines welcomes 45,8 pct more passengers in April 2011
Last April, Brussels Airlines saw a passenger growth of 45,8 pct. Almost half a million passengers flew on the Brussels Airlines’ European and African network. This spectacular increase versus last year is due to the fact that air traffic suffered hugely from the temporary closure of the air space because of the volcanic ash cloud last year – but also the continuing growth in passenger numbers positively impacts this result.
In April a total of 486.653 passengers chose for Brussels Airlines. Compared to last year, this represents an increase of 45, 8 pct. The European network saw a passenger growth of 47 %, on the long-haul flights the increase amounts to 32, 5 pct.
The numbers are influenced by the fact that last year in April air traffic was suspended for 5 days because of the ash cloud that led to a closure of the air space. On the other hand is the growth also due to a capacity increase, the commercial strategy and pricing policy of Brussels Airlines.
In April (the month wherein summer season starts) the capacity and /or frequencies on numerous routes were increased (Athens, Tel Aviv, Bilbao, Prague, Hamburg, Berlin, ...) thanks to the addition of an Airbus A 319 aircraft and a first Airbus A 320 to the fleet.
These numbers do not include the charter flights that Brussels Airlines performs on behalf of tour operators.