Brussels Airlines Posts 11% Profit Growth in 2024
Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, reported a record operating profit of €59 million ($65 million) for 2024—an 11% increase from €53 million ($58.3 million) in 2023. This improvement was driven by reliable operations on its short- and medium-haul networks and an increase in long-haul seat capacity, helping the airline overcome early-year challenges to deliver strong financial results.
Despite operating 2% fewer flights in 2024—61,564 compared to 62,949 in 2023—the carrier saw passenger numbers rise marginally, with 8.36 million travelers served versus 8.29 million the previous year. Total available seat kilometers (ASKs) increased by 1%, from 18.1 million to 18.3 million, while revenue seat kilometers grew from 14.9 million to 15.1 million. These modest capacity gains, coupled with improved load factors (rising slightly from 82.5% to 82.7%), underscore the airline’s operational efficiency improvements.
Brussels Airlines’ strategic focus on expanding its long-haul network has begun to pay dividends. Although the airline was unable to secure a wet-lease partner for additional capacity on its European routes during the summer of 2024, it did bolster its intercontinental services by adding an Airbus A330 to its fleet. This addition is set to enhance connectivity on long-haul routes, reinforcing Brussels Airlines’ commitment to delivering reliable, on-time performance—a quality that has earned it the title of the fourth most punctual network operator in Europe, according to Cirium. Consumer platform Airhelp has even named Brussels Airlines the ‘Best Airline’ globally for its performance in punctuality, claim processing, and overall customer experience.
Chief Financial Officer Nina Öwerdieck acknowledged the initial hurdles faced earlier in the year, noting that “we faced numerous challenges, particularly in the first half of the year, which prevented us from operating as planned.” However, she emphasized that the successful turnaround in the second half of 2024 has set a strong foundation for continued growth in 2025. Öwerdieck also highlighted that strong demand persists, with the airline planning to create more job opportunities—adding nearly one new colleague each day—to support its expanding operations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Brussels Airlines unveiled ambitious plans for its long-haul network. For the northern summer season, the airline will offer 56 weekly flights to sub-Saharan Africa—its highest capacity in the region ever, even surpassing pre-COVID levels. An additional Airbus A330, expected to arrive in June 2025, will facilitate this growth. The airline will also maintain regular services to North America, operating flights to both New York-JFK and Washington-Dulles (IAD).
Currently, Brussels Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet of 45 aircraft, including 14 A319s, 16 A320s, five A320neos, and 10 A330-300s, with an 11th A330 scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2025. In the near future, the carrier plans to expand its long-haul fleet to 13 aircraft by adding two more airframes. Additionally, the airline aims to refresh its cabin interiors across all classes—business, premium economy, and economy—by 2027 to enhance passenger comfort and service.
With a clear focus on operational reliability, network expansion, and customer satisfaction, Brussels Airlines is poised to continue its growth trajectory in 2025, creating more connections between people, cultures, and economies across the globe.
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