Brussels Airlines has offered a sneak peek at the first new aircraft to join its fleet. The A320neo, the first of five to join the Belgian carrier, has completed its paint job in Toulouse and will enter service in October.
Brussels Airlines presents the new A320neo
The Airbus A320neo (registration: OO-SBA) is painted in the colors of Brussels at the Airbus facility at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The airline posted videos on social media showing the brand new aircraft receiving its paint and leaving the factory.
While its livery is ready, the A320neo has yet to be delivered to Brussels Airlines. According to Joëlle Neeb, spokesperson for Brussels Airlines, the airline expects its arrival at the end of August. Following delivery, the airline plans an official unveiling in September ahead of the jet’s entry into service in October.
A first for Brussels
The next-generation narrowbody is set to operate its first passenger flight in October, which will prove to be a historic first for Brussels Airlines. In its 16-year history, the carrier has never flown a brand-new aircraft, always relying on second-hand planes.
Brussels Airlines said,
“With the new state-of-the-art aircraft, Brussels Airlines is taking an important step in modernizing its fleet and significantly reducing CO2 and noise emissions on its medium-haul network.”
Data from ch-aviation shows the airline’s current all-Airbus fleet – consisting of 16 A319s, 18 A320ceos and nine A330s – all with previous owners. The five brand new neos were allocated to Brussels Airlines by parent company Lufthansa, which recently took delivery of its 600th Airbus aircraft, making it Airbus’ largest customer in history.
Three deliveries this year
Brussels Airlines has a total of five A320neos on order, with all five aircraft arriving by the end of 2024. With OO-SBA scheduled for delivery within the next three months, the carrier hopes to fit the two more neo deliveries this year , although these two aircraft will not enter service until 2024. The airline’s last two jets are scheduled to be delivered later in 2024.
Photo: Airbus
The A320neos, which offer significant improvements in emissions and noise, will replace older planes in Brussels’ Airbus A319 fleet. According to Planespotters.net, the airline currently has 16 A319s with an average age of more than 18 years – its A320ceos are also on the older side at more than 17 years on average.
Brussels Airlines welcomed four aircraft to its fleet this year in the form of two A320 ceo and two wet-leased CRJ-900s ahead of its summer ramp-up – Belgium’s flag carrier flies to around 90 destinations in over 40 countries across Europe, Africa and North America.
What are your thoughts on Brussels Airlines’ new Airbus A320neo? Have you flown in this type of aircraft before? Let us know in the comments.
Source: ch-aviation, Planespotters.net
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Trade unions have stated that the 700 cancellations are not enough to alleviate the high workload currently experienced by their members. Photo: Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- SN/BEL
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Brussels Airport
- Year Established:
- 2006
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- Airline Group:
- Lufthansa Group
- CEO:
- Peter Gerber
- Country:
- Belgium
