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Brussels Airlines introduces European business class

6 Mar 2009 by Mark Caswell

Brussels Airlines has introduced a business class offering on its European flights, going by the name of b.business. The new class includes free lounge access, a guarantee of the middle seat being kept free, and upgraded in-flight food and beverages.

The carrier has not offered a business class on short-haul flights since its previous incarnation SN Brussels merged with low-cost carrier Virgin Express in 2007. At the time Brussels Airlines created two new classes called b.light economy and b.flex economy + (the latter offering flexible ticketing, dedicated check-in and complimentary food onboard).

But a high percentage of passengers flying in and out of Brussels airport are business travellers, and Brussels Airlines has made the decision to reintroduce a business class offering to satisfy this market.

The actual seat product is the same as in the existing classes, but with the new b.business offering there is a guarantee of the middle seat being kept free for extra space (in b.flex economy + the middle seat if kept free “if possible”). Other features of the new class include free lounge access (€15 in b.flex economy +) and free valet parking at Brussels airport. Passengers also get an increased hand luggage allowance of two pieces up to 16kg (as opposed to one piece up to 12kg in b.flex economy plus) and 30kg checked luggage (20kg in b.flex economy +).

B.business passengers will also enjoy upgraded in-flight food and beverages including champagne and Belgian chocolates, plus all the services included in the b.flex economy + offering such as flexible ticketing, fast lane security, priority boarding and a complimentary newspaper.

"With the introduction of b.business, we now offer a high quality product that meets the requirements of our most demanding passengers, those who expect an international quality top service", explained Bernard Gustin, managing director of Brussels Airlines. ‘In the context of our joining Star Alliance, and subsequent access to a global network, b.business is an essential requirement for our business customers. In fact, we have a number of improvements coming up over the next few months for these passengers, as well as an enlargement of the scope of our Frequent Flyer programme.”

For more information visit brusselsairlines.com.

Report by Mark Caswell

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