Brussels Airlines Welcomes Inaugural A320neo Takes Flight

Brussels Airlines, the Belgian flag carrier, has marked a historic moment in its aviation journey with the delivery of its first A320-200neo, registration OO-SBA (msn 11600), on November 1. This new addition, the first-ever new-build aircraft for Brussels Airlines, was gracefully flown from Toulouse Blagnac to Brussels National, unveiling a new era of efficiency and innovation for the airline.

As part of a strategic move under the Lufthansa Group’s order, Brussels Airlines is set to receive a total of five A320neo aircraft. This delivery positions Brussels Airlines as the latest A320neo operator within the Lufthansa Group, joining the ranks of esteemed carriers such as Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine, Eurowings, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines.

OO-SBA, configured with 180 seats, signifies a significant upgrade for Brussels Airlines. While Flightradar24 ADS-B data indicates that the aircraft has yet to enter scheduled service, the airline revealed in a press release that it plans to conduct a few remaining upgrades on the A320neo in the coming weeks. The aircraft will then embark on its maiden commercial flight, promising passengers an enhanced and modernized travel experience.

Brussels Airlines, in a strategic move, will retire its smaller A319-100s and replace them with the more advanced and fuel-efficient A320neo. The carrier anticipates the delivery of all five A320neo aircraft by the end of 2024, solidifying its commitment to fleet modernization and sustainability.

The airline’s current fleet composition, as per ch-aviation fleets advanced data, reflects an all-Airbus lineup, including sixteen A319-100s, eighteen A320-200s, and nine A330-300s. Notably, Brussels Airlines recently concluded the return of two wet-leased CRJ1000s to CityJet (Dublin International), streamlining its operations for a more focused and efficient future.

The introduction of the A320neo marks a pivotal step for Brussels Airlines, aligning with the latest industry standards and elevating its position in the competitive aviation landscape. Passengers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience as Brussels Airlines embraces the future of aviation with its cutting-edge A320neo fleet.