Brussels Airlines rebounds

Brussels Airlines’ third quarter figures look promising thanks to the high demand for holiday flights and a competitive cost structure as a result of a restructuring programme. For the first nine months of 2021 the airline reports a 12% revenue increase compared to last year whereas operating expenses are down by 10%. The adjusted EBIT in the January-September period improved by 39%, a result that is still heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June 2021 Brussels Airlines restarted its hub structure and considerably expanded its offering during the summer months in response to rising demand. The summer peak, which traditionally ends in early September, lasted longer this year due to a catch-up effect.

“We see that many people who were unable to travel during the lockdowns were keen to travel again this summer, both during the summer holidays and in September, outside the traditional holiday periods. For us this resulted in a prolonged summer peak. The high demand for holiday flights coupled with an improved cost position as a direct result of our reorganisation with the Reboot Plus programme have led to a positive result in the third quarter.”

- Nina Öwerdieck, Chief Financial Officer for Brussels Airlines