On our way to respectful flying

• 5 Airbus A320neos by 2025
• 50% less noise
• Up to 20% less CO₂

Reducing an airline’s environmental footprint starts with its main assets, our planes. By 2025, our fleet will have 5 brand new Airbus A320neos, underlining our ambitious plans for a more environmentally friendly fleet renewal. It’s a very conscious choice. The A320neo produces up to 50% less noise, is more fuel efficient and reduces carbon emissions by up to 20%, compared to our current A320.

Our first Airbus A320neo joined our fleet in November 2023, and four more will arrive by 2025. 

Advanced Aerodynamics
The Airbus A320neo has an advanced aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance while flying and improves fuel efficiency. This results in a reduction of up to 800 tons of CO₂ per aircraft every year, compared to our current A320.

Efficient engines
The Airbus A320neo is equipped with modern and efficient engines designed to burn fuel more efficiently. They deliver a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 3,000 tons per year, compared to our current A320.

Advanced avionics
The Airbus A320neo is equipped with advanced communication and navigation equipment and flight management systems. These allow optimized flight paths, better navigation, and more precise control over aircraft performance. They help pilots to make more fuel-efficient decisions, further reducing CO₂ emissions.

• Carbon reduction of up to 80%*
• USD 250 million investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Produced from used frying and cooking oil

As part of our commitment towards more efficient operations, we’re actively taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Brussels Airport is one of the two Belgian airports connected to the NATO pipeline, which not only allows us to transport kerosene, but since 1 January 2023 also the more environmentally friendly Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Brussels Airlines was the very first airline in Belgium who transported SAF through this NATO pipeline.

SAF is one of the most effective solutions available for reducing the carbon impact of aviation over the coming decades. It can reduce the carbon emissions by up to 80%* compared to fossil fuels. It is produced using an innovative technology to create fuel from used frying and cooking oil, amongst others. 

That’s why the Lufthansa Group, one of the biggest SAF users in the world, decided to invest 250 million dollars in the purchase of SAF for the coming years. New innovative technologies for SAF production are on the horizon, and together with the Lufthansa Group we are already investing in them, such as Sun-to-Liquid or Power-to-Liquid technologies.

* Calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA.

• Choose our Lufthansa Group Green Fares
• Add one of our compensation packages to your standard fare

Flying more responsibly is a joint effort. We do our part, and we invite our customers to do the same. Our Green Fares include full offsetting of individual, flight-related CO₂ emissions with just one click through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and a contribution to high-quality climate protection projects. With SAF, a reduction of 20% of CO₂ emissions is achieved, while the remaining 80% is offset through high-quality climate protection projects. To give just two examples: we promote the construction of energy-saving cookers in Kenya, Burundi, and several other countries. Closer to home, we support the restoration of peatlands in Europe.

These Green Fares are currently available for all our flights within Europe and to North Africa. Brussels Airlines was, together with the other Lufthansa Group airlines, one of the first airlines to offer these types of offsetting possibilities to consumers. Besides our Green Fares, our passengers can also choose other offsetting packages, including SAF and/or compensation, in addition to their normal Economy or Business Class fare.

• Up to -650 tons of CO₂/year thanks to more efficient operating procedures
• Introduction of Sharkskin technology by the Lufthansa Group

In our daily operations, from the planning of the flight to the operations at the ground and in the air, our goal is to limit our fuel and thus carbon emissions. With that in mind, we implemented the so-called Single Engine Taxi-in operation, which means switching off one of the aircraft’s engines when it taxies to the gate after landing. 

The Lufthansa Group Operations Sustainability Program includes several other initiatives which positively impact our daily operations. Improved software implementations, optimized procedures, and increased application rates of best practices all lead to more efficient flights, resulting in lower emissions. In one recent example, the Lufthansa Group introduced so-called sharkskin technology to its fleet. This thin foil enhances the aerodynamic features and fuel efficiency of the aircraft and reduces CO₂ emissions. The Lufthansa Group is the world’s first airline group to equip over 20 aircraft with this innovative technology. 

• The train or bus as an ideal partner for very short distances
• A respectful way to reach the airport

You could say the most environmentally friendly flight is the one that never takes off. This isn’t very helpful for people travelling long haul or those who travel to destinations that are difficult to reach by other means of transportation, but it can be an alternative for those travelling short distances. With this in mind, we encourage our passengers to use alternative modes of transport, whenever possible, such as the train when travelling between short-haul airports (Brussels - Amsterdam for example), or the bus (for passengers coming from Lille, who can now combine their Flibco bus ticket with their flight ticket).

Together with Brussels Airport, we want to increase our intermodal (train, tram, bus, etc.) offer to our passengers. Work on the Airport Tramway connecting the airport to the centre of Brussels in no more than 30 minutes is planned to start no later than the beginning of 2026. In the meantime, we’re pushing the intermodal masterplan for our airport to the top of the government’s agenda, including a direct high-speed train connection.

• Only digital newspapers
• Drastic reduction of single-use plastics
• Better recycling efforts 

Less single-use plastics, more recyclable materials, less food waste. We have a very clear strategy for reducing our waste. 

Waste reduction is a question of taking a wide variety of initiatives in different fields to achieve our ambitious goals, like reducing food waste by 50% on short-haul flights by 2025. 

Single-use plastic and single-use aluminium items will no longer be part of the onboard experience from 2025. And to reduce food waste, we implemented a 50% discount on food near its expiry date on flights after 8 PM.

A few other examples illustrate the broad scope in which we operate. We successfully eliminated paper reading material. Our lounges and our cabins have undergone a digital transformation, so that newspapers and magazines are available in digital formats only. In addition, our lounges no longer offer plastic water bottles. Instead, we’ve installed Grohe water filter taps as well as re-usable food and beverage containers to replace individual portions and cans. 

By 2024, we aim to further reduce the environmental impact of all our hot meals from the Buy-on-Board menu and make their packaging more sustainable. We’re also focusing on working with more local sources in Belgium (instead of overseas companies) for the production of products, such as the new Business Class and Premium Economy pillows, to minimize our ecological footprint. 

• Creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Belgium
• Numerous collaborations with Belgian partners
• Bike/Hike In Africa: Workshops and training sessions to help local entrepreneurs

We’re a Belgian airline, which comes with a responsibility. We’re one of the biggest employers in Belgium, creating tens of thousands of jobs, both directly (over 3,000 jobs at Brussels Airlines alone) and indirectly. Our core business, flying people and cargo to and from Belgium, fuels the Belgian economy. That works both ways, we seize every opportunity to support local Belgian companies. And we do the same abroad, focusing on Africa.

Being a Belgian airline is also reflected in the numerous collaborations and partnerships we have with Belgian creative minds, be they artists, cooks, or craftsmen. At Brussels Airlines, we support the local economy by favouring local suppliers and encouraging innovation by supporting young creatives. Our local partnerships give a voice to aspiring Belgian creators as well as to better known businesses. We bring the world to Belgium and the best of Belgium to the world. 

Our Belgitude is an important feature for us. That’s why all our onboard meals are made with seasonal products, provided by local partners. Think Foodmaker, Neuhaus, Van Tricht cheese delicacies, IJsboerke, etc. Think Belgian beers or long-haul flight meals and cocktails respectively created by Michelin-starred Belgian chefs and famous Belgian mixologists. But also think local artisans (leather craftspeople, painters, etc.) designing an amenity kit for our Business travellers, Belgian skincare included. By showcasing the best of Belgium to our travellers, we add a touch of excitement to their journeys.

Supporting the local economy doesn’t stop at our Belgian borders. We apply the same philosophy to all our destinations. More specifically, in Africa we give strong support to the local economy. We believe in Africa’s potential and strive to build partnerships wherever possible. Through our b.foundation for Africa, we support NGOs that provide medical care, as well as local entrepreneurs and businesses in developing their activities further in a sustainable manner. In the context of our bi-annual ‘Bike/Hike In Africa’ project, we organize workshops and training sessions in various local companies to help develop their business.

• Over 60 nationalities
• More than 50 female pilots

As an airline company we unite the world. We’re an open company. Inclusion in all its forms is a vital part of our corporate mission. We practice what we preach. We welcome talented people regardless of their ethnicity, religion, age, gender, or sexual identity and orientation. Diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism are at the heart of Brussels Airlines. We couldn’t be more proud of our team representing over 60 nationalities with varying gender identities, cultures, and beliefs. The same goes for our international customers, anyone who flies with us is welcome, regardless of their background. Whatever continent you’re from, you feel at home with us.

If you take only Brussels Airlines itself into account, we employ over 3,000 people in Belgium and more than 250 people in Africa. But if you look at the larger picture, we provide employment indirectly to many other contractors and third parties. Keeping all of those people happy is very important to us.

That’s why diversity and inclusion are two of our greatest and most cherished assets. We’re proud of our team which includes over 60 nationalities of different ages, gender identities, cultures, and beliefs. We invest a great deal in training all our personnel and encourage women into leadership positions. Just one figure illustrating how our efforts are paying off is that 10% of our pilots are female, which is well above the industry average of 6%. Additionally, we partner with high schools, start-ups and universities to nurture talents and boost innovation. 

Our employees’ happiness is key, we provide them with a safe working environment (LGBTQ+ friendly) and a healthy work/life balance on top of fair wages and attractive fringe benefits (e.g. a group insurance and public transportation discounts).

• 24/7 available
• Families sit together
• Our smile and respect is always included

Respectful Flying starts with respecting the customer. We treat every passenger with the utmost respect. This also shows in our customer service. Being available 24/7, is something we strive for, every day.

Brussels Airlines always puts respect, honesty, and fairness upfront. Not least in our relations with suppliers where we apply a zero tolerance policy to unethical business behaviour.

We offer tailored services at fair prices to meet diverse passenger needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Our ‘family comes first’ policy guarantees seating together, special assistance for unaccompanied children and great flexibility for families travelling with small children (e.g. priority boarding or free stroller check-in). 

Together with The Human Link, Brussels Airlines also offers a “Fear of Flying” course. We also show our respect through a wide choice of different meals, specially created to meet differing religious or dietary needs. Furthermore, we offer Special Assistance for passengers with specific needs or Pet Care services which prioritize the well-being of our furry friends.