Since last week, Brussels Airlines has resumed offering seven weekly flights to Kinshasa. The Belgian airline is also gradually introducing its brand-new Premium Economy class on its operations to Africa. The African continent continues to be Brussels Airlines' most significant market, with 84 weekly flights and 17 destinations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Brussels Airlines has gradually increased its frequencies to Kinshasa this year, returning to a daily service to one of its key markets on the African continent after the Congolese Civil Aviation Authorities announced in February that the Belgian airline could resume its daily service between Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Africa is a key component of Brussels Airlines' long-haul network, with 84 weekly flights to 17 destinations in 16 countries. This year, the airline offers more than 1.2 million seats on trips to Africa. Brussels Airlines has more than 90 years of experience flying to and from Africa, giving them extensive understanding of operating to the continent, particularly to sub-Saharan Africa. More than 70% of passengers connecting to or from other destinations in Europe and the US use Brussels Airlines' hub at Brussels Airport, which contributes to the success of its flights to and from Africa.
Even though the majority of Brussels Airlines' destinations in Africa cater primarily to business travellers and people who go to see friends and family abroad (VFR), more and more tourists are making their way to the continent's stunning coastlines and natural attractions. Travelers are increasingly choosing beach vacation spots like Dakar, Senegal, and Banjul, according to Brussels Airlines (The Gambia). Every year, more hikers and explorers who wish to see mountain gorillas in the wild travel to Entebbe, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwanda. Last but not least, with its clean, stunning beaches, Sierra Leone is steadily growing in popularity as a travel destination for daring surfers from around the world.
On its flights to and from Africa, the airline has begun introducing its brand-new Premium Economy Class in an effort to better serve both of those sorts of passengers. The new class will eventually be introduced to more African locations as more renovated aircraft enter the fleet (see a detailed schedule below). From this point forward, flights to and from Kinshasa and Luanda can be booked in Premium Economy.
Premium Economy seeks to satisfy passengers who desire high-quality service and higher comfort but do not want to pay a Business Class fare by putting an emphasis on comfort, personal space, and hospitality. Customers may anticipate 23% greater legroom in Premium Economy than in Economy Class, as well as a wider seat with a larger headrest and a generous 40° seat recline. For optimal privacy and rest, Premium Economy is segregated from the other cabins.
Schedule for introducing Premium Economy:
- 1 October: Luanda and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (Angola)
- On November 1, Bujumbura (Burundi), Kigali (Rwanda), Entebbe (Uganda), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Monrovia (Liberia)
- 13 January: Conakry (Guinée), Banjul (Gambia), and Dakar (Senegal).
Yaounde and Douala on February 1 (Cameroon)
- Mid-May: Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Cotonou (Benin), Accra (Ghana), and Lome (Togo)