The merger between two Brussels-based airlines will offer a combination of low-cost fares and flexibility. Sheron Crossman looks at the benefits A new name, Brussels Airlines, takes to the skies from March 25, following the splicing together of SN Brussels Airlines and low-cost carrier Virgin Express. The aim is to give business travellers budget fares to 50 destinations across Europe and beef up long-haul routes. Both SN Brussels and Virgin Express have long been firm favourites with executive travellers, and with the launch of the new airline come b.flex and b.light, the result of a survey of 5,000 passengers. Furthermore, a new generation Economy Class will supersede the traditional economy/business duo. Says incoming CEO Philippe Vander Putten: “We’re offering two new products. On the one hand, we have b.flex, which responds perfectly to the needs of passengers flying for professional reasons who want to save as much time as possible and require a high level of service, but don't want it to cost the earth. “On the other hand, we have b.light, which guarantees the lowest fares. Until now, Virgin Express has offered low-cost fares to and from some 20 destinations – Brussels Airlines will offer them to around 50 from Brussels International Airport, which essentially means we're lowering our prices on an even greater number of routes.” Other European carriers should take note. Virgin Express has had a gutsy history, operating flights mainly to southern Europe from Brussels and, unlike other budget airlines, providing connecting flights. Last summer alone it added 38 weekly departures, mainly to Athens, Barcelona, Malaga and Nice. Virgin Express was the first of the European low-cost airlines. It began life in 1996, when the Virgin Group snapped up the Belgian leisure carrier EBA, EuroBelgian Airlines, rebranding it Virgin Express and splashing its trademark red paint on aircraft. The airline concentrated on low-cost scheduled flights out of its Brussels hub, becoming a major threat to Belgian flag-carrier Sabena, and later SN Brussels Airlines, the fledgling carrier which rose from bankrupt Sabena's ashes. In October 2004, the Virgin Group sold its Virgin Express assets to SN Brussels Airlines and both were integrated into the parent holding company SN Airholding. Crucially, the merged airline adds a number of long-haul destinations to its network, strengthening its position in Africa, where Brussels has long had links. When it started in 1924, Sabena was part-funded by the former Belgian Congo (now Angola), and in 1925, it pioneered routes to the continent to foster Belgian interests. SN Brussels currently operates to 13 African destinations, and for summer 2007, the new Brussels Airlines will add two more. In addition, there are flights to Toronto, New York and Chicago, with more than 20 connections via New York and Chicago, while in the Middle East, services are to Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and in Asia to Beijing. A new service between Brussels and Krakow will start on March 30, five days after the merger takes effect, connecting the European capital with Poland five times a week. The route is part of the airline’s strategic growth into Eastern Europe; last year, SN Brussels added extra flights to both Prague and Budapest. Speaking at the announcement of the new airline, outgoing CEO Neil Burrows said: “Today, even business travellers are much more price-conscious. The attractiveness of the traditional, expensive Business Class is greatly diminished on short-haul flights. For at least half of those flying for professional reasons, price has become a determining factor of choice. This phenomenon has influenced the travel policies in a large number of organisations,” he adds. “However, people who fly for business now need flexibility and service more than ever and they want to lose as little time as possible at the airport.” What you get with Brussels Airlines bflex: aimed at business travellers wanting to save time at Brussels airport - Quick check-in and priority access means you can turn up 30 minutes before take-off
- Separate fast-track security control at rush hours
- Priority boarding
- Seats at the front of aircraft to permit faster exit
- Higher luggage allowance (up to 30 kilos) and two bags as hand luggage (total 12 kilos)
- On board choice of seat, complimentary food, drink and newspapers
- Passengers can take an earlier flight the same day without incurring extra charges
- More Privilege miles earned more quickly
- b.flex tickets are up to 50% cheaper than classic competing Business Class tickets
b.light: aimed at passengers looking for low-cost one-way tickets - Lowest fare guarantee. Brussels Airlines will refund the difference if passengers find a lower ticket price with another carrier on the day of travel
- Full service frequent flyer programme. Privilege has a choice of more than 800 destinations for earning or spending miles. Passengers can earn miles when using their phone, renting a car, paying by credit card or booking a hotel
- Extensive network to more than 50 major European airports at low-cost prices, from €49, including taxes
Long- and medium-haul routes The new airline will continue to offer Business and Economy Classes on its long-haul network (13 African destinations, and Toronto, New York and Chicago) and medium-haul (Helsinki, Moscow and Tel Aviv) Business Class has been recently upgraded, with flat-bed seats, and new ergonomically designed seats have been introduced in economy. Website:
www.brusselsairlines.com
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