With introduction of a direct flight from Mumbai to Brussels by Brussels Airlines, the company plans to explore opportunities related to not just passenger movement but also cargo movement. Since end of March, a direct flight from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Airport to Brussels Airport have commenced operations and Brussels Airlines claim that it has already seen demand for their services.
Bernard Gustin, CEO of Brussels Airlines said, “It is a major step forward for us now. We have flights dedicated to Africa and the US. If we are successful in India, we will add more to daily products. We need to see if we are successful.” Brussels is the gateway to Europe making trade and movement of passengers in Europe convenient. This direct flight which will fly 5 times a week, is priced at Rs 38,000 including taxes (promotional offer). Gustin told The Free Press Journal, “Brussel Airlines has a tradition to be very pro-active in terms of prices. We are serving different segments. As we divert our attention to other kind of segments, we need to be careful about pricing.”
Patrick Roofthooft, Brussels Airlines’ director of commercial development said, “We have a load factor of 85 per cent out of India. Out of India we are quite successful but considering in and out we stand at 75 per cent.” At present, the airlines is flying at least 200 passengers per flight. Roofthooft further told The Free Press Journal that the airlines and Lufthansa group have invested heavily in India. “It has been a very important project for us.” In three years’ time, the airlines hopes Mumbai to Brussel services to be profitable.
Going forward, it hopes to improve the cooperation with Air India, if and when need arises. In India, Brussels Airlines cooperates with Star Alliance partner Air India.
The company will evaluate the India market next year to understand the growth coming from India to Brussels. After that, Brussels Airlines will look at other markets in India for expansion. Roofthooft added, “India is a biggest market worldwide but focus on the neighbouring countries might come. But one can never say never.” The company has shifted their attention from China and is focusing on India due to the growth coming from India. Over years, China’s growth has slowed down making India attractive, which is also one reason Brussels Airlines have again entered Indian market.
Roofthooft revealed that the company’s expectation with cargo business is very high. “For us cargo business coming from India, is growing beyond expectations.” There are tonnes of pharmaceutical cargo that the airlines is transporting. Along with pharmaceutical, there is movement of precious stones. Jan Luykx, Belgian Ambassador to India said, “Belgium is the second largest country in European Union to do business with India.” The trade between India and Belgium is valued at € 12 billion. The major items of Indian exports to Belgium are gems and jewellery; chemicals and chemical products; base metals and articles; mineral products; textiles etc.
The major items of Indian imports from Belgium were gems and jewellery; chemicals and chemical products; machinery and mechanical appliances; base metals and articles, plastic products etc. “We are looking at expanding our cooperation in these areas. It is difficult to predict the growth in the future. We are part of the global trade system and we do not know what will change,” stated Luykx. Commenting about free trade agreement which could boost trade between India and European Union, Luykx said the dialogue is still on but there is not much happening.
