Brussels Airlines is celebrating a standout summer season, marked by its commitment to reliable operations and exceptional punctuality. The Belgian national airline has secured a place among the top five most punctual major airlines in Europe, showcasing its dedication to operational excellence.
During July and August, the airline’s busiest period, Brussels Airlines transported over 1.7 million passengers on nearly 12,000 flights. Despite the peak season, the airline achieved a remarkable 99% on-time performance, with cancellations primarily attributed to external factors like tensions in the Middle East affecting flights to Tel Aviv.
Throughout 2024, 72% of Brussels Airlines flights have departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, placing the airline among Europe’s top performers according to aviation analytics agency Cirium. While weather conditions, Air Traffic Control staff shortages, and occasional long wait times at Brussels Airport border control have contributed to some delays, the airline has proactively addressed these challenges.
Tilman Reinshagen, Chief Operating Officer of Brussels Airlines, highlighted the airline’s commitment to reliability, stating, “At Brussels Airlines, we want to be the most reliable airline operating from the most reliable hub. We’ve taken numerous initiatives together with all our partners such as Brussels Airport and the Belgian federal police to improve our regularity and punctuality.” He further emphasized the ongoing efforts to optimize the passenger experience, including the introduction of electronic gates for passport control on flights to Sub-Saharan Africa, which will lead to shorter waiting times and reduce flight delays.
Brussels Airlines has made significant progress in reducing delayed luggage, achieving a 14% reduction compared to last year, with less than 0.8% of checked bags failing to reach their destination on time. The airline has also improved its connection performance for transfer passengers, especially those traveling to one of its 18 sub-Saharan African destinations, with 96.6% of transfer passengers successfully making their connections, marking a 26% improvement over the previous year.
To further enhance the passenger journey, Brussels Airlines has implemented several digital innovations. New features in the airline’s app enable passengers to navigate their journey more seamlessly, especially during disruptions. The airline’s chatbot, “Charlie,” available on brusselsairlines.com, has been upgraded to handle a wider range of passenger inquiries, providing quicker answers to common questions and freeing up customer care agents for more complex cases.
Moreover, Brussels Airlines is rolling out a new system that will automatically detect flight changes and notify passengers. Travelers can expect real-time updates on events like gate changes, boarding times, and even delayed baggage, ensuring a smoother and more informed travel experience.
Reinshagen expressed gratitude to the airline’s employees for their dedication, stating, “When most people enjoy their well-deserved holidays, our employees go above and beyond to ensure our guests can fly worry-free. I would sincerely like to thank everyone in our teams for their efforts. Aviation is a very complex industry, and making so many flights leave on-time is a big accomplishment we can all be proud of.”
Brussels Airlines’ commitment to operational excellence and passenger satisfaction has led to a remarkable summer season, setting a high standard for reliable and efficient air travel. The airline’s focus on continuous improvement and innovative solutions ensures a positive travel experience for its passengers, reinforcing its position as a leading airline in Europe.
