Brussels Airlines Celebrates 100 Years of Connecting with Africa

A century ago, on February 12, 1925, a Handley Page W.8F aircraft left Haren (Brussels), embarking on a journey that would span 51 days and cover more than 8,000 kilometres. It was from Brussels to Léopoldville (now Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

On board of the "Princesse Marie-José", three Belgian aviators: navigator Edmond Thieffry, pilot Léopold Roger, and engineer Jef de Bruycker faced numerous obstacles, including unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, and the vast expanse of the African continent.

© Thieffry Family - Princesse Marie-José & Georges Nélis

Despite the hurdles, the flight crew's determination and the aircraft's resilience ensured the mission's success. Their journey laid the foundation for a lasting connection, one that Brussels Airlines continues to honor and strengthen today.

Brussels Airlines is committed to Africa

The African continent has always been at the heart of Brussels Airlines’ mission. With 18 destinations across sub-Saharan Africa, the airline plays an important role in connecting people, cultures and economies. The launch of Nairobi in June 2024 further solidified this commitment, bringing its share of Lufthansa Group’s sub-Saharan destinations to 56%.

Beyond the major hubs, Brussels Airlines connects niche markets often overlooked by other European carriers, including Banjul (The Gambia), Bujumbura (Burundi), Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Monrovia (Liberia). These routes primarily serve Visiting Friends & Relatives (VFR) and trade traffic, reinforcing economic and cultural ties between Africa and Europe.

As the African Competence Center of the Lufthansa Group, the Belgian airline leverages its extensive and deep-rooted expertise in the African market to benefit all sister airlines. The airline operates city offices in several African destinations and has cultivated strong partnerships to gain deep market insights.

This dedication was never more evident than during the Ebola crisis in 2014, when Brussels Airlines was the only carrier that continued to link Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with Europe – during a time where air connectivity was more vital than ever.