Brussels Airlines Cargo Looks Back on a Stable 2016

One of the highlights of 2016 was the launch of Toronto as a new destination in the cargo network of Brussels Airlines, says Alban. “2016 was also the year in which we have implemented the new strategy for the Cargo Department. Brussels Airlines Cargo has increased its strategic importance within Brussels Airlines. We have also extended our department through the integration of the staff of our GSA Air Logistics in Belgium this January.”
Thanks to this integration, the cargo department’s staff has grown from 10 to 18, who can now get even closer to the customers and ensure a better feeling for the market, Alban thinks. “Internally, we have also specialised further in optimising our capacity management, which will enable us to make an even better use of our belly space with regard to the loading possibilities and restrictions of the aircraft.”

Additional African frequencies
In 2017, Brussels Airlines Cargo is pursuing its focus on new cargo streams. Two weeks ago, the company introduced Mumbai as a new long-haul destination, for which a tenth A330 was added to the fleet. In Africa, Accra (Ghana) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast) have been given an extra flight.

Alban expects Brussels Airlines’ cargo volume to rise by 30% this year. His expecta-tion is supported by the figures for January and February.

At the end of March Brussels Airlines also announced the take-over of all the slots, 2 aircraft and some 160 staff of Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium (TCAB).

In a release, both companies announced to look into new long-distance flights to sun and beach destinations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia over the next three years. This also gives Brussels Airlines’ cargo business additional opportunities.

Marcel Schoeters in Brussels