Last Thursday, 15 September, Air Belgium’s first fight to South Africa touched down at OR Tambo. This inaugural flight launched the airline’s new route between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town, and is Air Belgium first route to an African country.
Flights will depart from Brussels every Wednesday and Sunday, leaving at 19:45 and arriving in Johannesburg the following morning at 7:15. After a short layover, passengers will be able to continue on to Cape Town. Flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg will depart every Monday and Thursday.
Making Europe more accessible
The new route promises convenient access into central Europe, for easy connections to the rest of the continent.
Air Belgium CEO Niky Terzakis says, “It is an exciting and important chapter for Air Belgium. But we’re equally thrilled to introduce South Africans to a new airline and an alternative route – and thereby direct access to the heart of Europe.
“We often talk about ‘Belgitude’, and our motto is ‘Fly Belgian Class’, which is all about bringing joy back to international travel. And while our travellers value our fun and engaging approach to travel, we also deliver what really matters: a safe, seamless journey; transparent billing (no hidden fees); and a generous luggage allowance.
“What’s more is that we offer travellers an environmentally-friendly travel option as the Airbus A330neo consumes on average 25% less fuel compared to previous generation aircraft. Lower fuel consumption also means less CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Our aircraft offer what is best in comfort aboard: reduced noise level, mod-lighting, and state-of-the art inflight entertainment with WI-FI and internet connection throughout the flight.”
“We offer travellers an environmentally-friendly travel option as the Airbus A330neo consumes on average 25% less fuel compared to previous generation aircraft.”
The airline’s modern A330neo offers 30 seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Class and 235 Economy Class seats. Fares start at R 11,569 for an all-in return ticket between Johannesburg and Brussels and passengers are allowed 30 kg baggage allowance free.
Belgium is SA’s 6th largest trading partner
Belgium is currently South Africa’s 6th largest trading partner as well as the Western Cape’s 7th largest European export market, so it is anticipated the route will be a popular one for business travellers.
Terzakis adds, “Of course, for South Africans the real drawcard is Brussels. Not only is it the gateway to Europe, with high-speed trains connecting the city to hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam in a couple of hours, but it is also a destination in its own right, with visitors delighting in its rich heritage, food, culture and Belgian spirit.”
South African Tourism Chief Operations Officer Nomasonto Ndlovu says, “I welcome Air Belgium’s new triangular route between Brussels, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Whether for leisure travel or business travel, this flight will undoubtedly contribute to boosting the country’s tourism, its economy and job creation.
“It’s fitting that their first flight arrives in the middle of September, which is Tourism Month in South Africa, when we celebrate, champion, and recognise the importance of our tourism industry.”
For more information, visit www.airbelgium.com.
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