All Nippon Airways to start service to Brussels

All Nippon Airways (ANA) today announced the start of a new route between the Belgian and European capital and the worlds’ third largest economy as from autumn 2015. The arrival of All Nippon Airways (ANA) strengthens the position of Brussels Airport in the Star Alliance network  of which Brussels Airlines is a member. What better way to celebrate the 150th anniversary in 2016 of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

The first route between Brussels Airport and Tokyo since 2001 will be ensured by Japan’s largest airline.

"This announcement by ANA is the result of a long process. The support of the Federal and Regional Belgian authorities was essential for this achievement. The Belgian Economic Mission to Japan in 2012, led by HRH Prince Philippe, also played a major role. This connection provides an opportunity to strengthen of economic relations between our two countries. This direct route also brings with it the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs at Brussels Airport and is an incentive for investments and tourism," says Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

This choice by ANA makes sense. The economic links between the two countries date back a long time as is shown by the presence of numerous Japanese companies in Belgium and the large Japanese community in our country.  Moreover, as the capital of Europe, Brussels is a vital link internationally. Tourism too is an important factor.

The arrival of All Nippon Airways reinforces the role of the Brussels Airport hub in the Star Alliance network. ANA is now able to provide excellent onward connections through to the large network of Brussels Airlines and this not only in Europe but also to Africa where Japanese investments are growing.

With the arrival of ANA, Brussels Airport will now be served by 15 long haul airlines, who together operate over 26 daily flights to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, sub-Sahara Africa, the Gulf, India, China, Thailand and Japan.