Singapore Airlines returns to Belgian capital with launch of new direct Brussels route

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has launched new non-stop flights between Singapore and Brussels, following a 20 year absence from the Belgian capital.

The inaugural flight took off from Brussels Airport at Zaventem on 6 April after a traditional water cannon salute by firefighters.

Initially operating four weekly flights between Belgium’s capital and the Asian metropolis, the airline hopes to extend the schedule to a daily service.

Flights currently depart Brussels on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12.10 (local time), with the return sector leaving Singapore on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 23.55 (local time).

The flights are operated by a long-haul version of the Airbus A350-900, with a configuration of 253 seats in three cabin classes: 42 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy Class, and 187 in Economy Class.

“Brussels is an important European economic and political centre, and the launch of this service adds another historical and charming city to SIA’s list of destinations,” said the airline’s acting senior vice president marketing and planning Dai Hao Yu at the launch. Travellers from Europe would be able to connect to the wider Asia-Pacific region from the company’s hub at Changi Airport, he added.

Brussels Airport recognised the “important milestone” of the restored connection, said CEO Arnaud Feist. “As a key gateway to Asia, Singapore is an important new destination in our growing Asian network.” He underlined SIA’s commitment to the passenger experience and sustainability, pointing out that the aircraft was one of the quietest and most fuel-efficient in its category.

While Singapore Airlines has been operating cargo flights to Brussels for the past 35 years, the new passenger service gave it additional for capacity for freight, including pharmaceuticals and electronics, explained Benelux general manager Christian Stenkewitz.

He told the Bulletin that SIA was operating the Airbus A350-900 “because it really combines the ability to carry a healthy amount of cargo with the right number of passengers in an economical way”.

The aircraft burned 25% less fuel compared to the previous generation of aircrafts, he added. “From a passenger experience point of view, it is much more enjoyable because the cabin is quieter, cabin space is higher and the humidity is lower so that the effect of jet lag is reduced.”

Stenkewitz reiterated the benefits of Changi Airport as a travel hub for passengers to connect beyond Singapore. “It’s also a perfect stopover destination. We call it Asia light as it’s a combination of both East and West.”

The duration of the non-stop flights is between 12 and 13 hours, depending on the season. The aircraft are operated by rotating crews of three in the cockpit and 16 for cabin service, said Stenkewitz.

Photos: (main image) ©Belga/Hatim Kaghat; Singapore Airlines inaugural flight at Brussels Airport ©Sarah Crew; Christian Stenkewitz, and Haoyu Dai (Singapore Airlines), Hong Huai Lim (Singapore Ambassador) and Arnaud Feist (Brussels Airport CEO) ©Sarah Crew