Air Belgium Launches First-Ever Flight from Brussels Charleroi to Hong Kong
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PRESS RELEASE IMMEDIATE RELEASE Air Belgium launches first-ever flight from Brussels Charleroi to Hong Kong New Belgian airliner offers business and leisure travellers alike a direct service to the heart of Europe, proposing highly competitive fares and a stand-out Belgian experience Hong Kong, 7 June 2018 – Air Belgium’s inaugural flight from Brussels Charleroi touched down at 7:40am today at Hong Kong International Airport, marking the start of its international operations. The maiden flight marks the commencement of a direct service twice per week at competitive fares, addressing the increasing demand from both leisure and business passengers. Brussels Charleroi’s development as a hub airport for European travellers combined with Hong Kong’s long-held position as a hub linking Asia with Europe, makes this inaugural flight route ideal for passengers seeking to travel between the two continents. As Air Belgium looks to expand across Asia, the airline is promising to grow its Hong Kong presence with the addition of over 100 new local staff members in the city this year. Eyeing regional expansion in Asia Air Belgium’s first-ever route paves the way for its future expansion in Asia, with plans to introduce new destinations in China in the next few months. Niky Terzakis, Chief Executive Officer at Air Belgium, said, “Today marks a major milestone for global aviation. We’re thrilled to launch our first-ever route, which is the result of two years of great teamwork. Air Belgium’s promise is to deliver affordable, Belgian hospitality and direct access between Brussels Charleroi and Hong Kong, both regional platforms. This is an exciting first step for us as we continue to grow our business in the region.” Mr. Fred Lam JP, Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said, “We welcome Air Belgium’s decision to choose Hong Kong as the destination to launch their inaugural flight, which is a testament to Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub and the business potential for airlines in Asia. The new direct service also further strengthens HKIA’s extensive air network and provides more choices to our passengers. We wish Air Belgium every success in Hong Kong and the region.” A Belgian experience at competitive fares The new route will be operated by the Airbus A340 with 257-seat capacity, which includes 32 business class seats, 21 premium seats and 212 economy seats. In June, Air Belgium will operate two flights per week to Hong Kong departing from Brussels Charleroi, three per week as from July and four flights per week from October onwards. Great thought has been given to providing customers with an immersive Belgian experience, from the welcoming Air Belgium cabin crew to the vast array of local gastronomic delights and drinks, including chocolate and beer, as well as wine from different local producers. The flight is available at very competitive fares throughout the year. Roundtrip fares start at HKD 4,499 in Economy, HKD 9,999 in Premium and HKD 19,999 in Business. These prices include 23 kg of luggage, a meal and local taxes. PRESS RELEASE Brussels Charleroi Airport Air Belgium has chosen Brussels Charleroi Airport as its home, a conveniently situated, modern airport that is fast developing as an international hub, hosting long-haul carriers that will be connected to other major cities, as well as improving its mass transit infrastructure. Passengers will receive the best service at Brussels Charleroi Airport, one of the most punctual airports worldwide with a speedy luggage retrieval time post-flight. Brussels Charleroi Airport is also a more economical choice, ensuring Air Belgium’s offerings are competitively priced in the market. Belgium, a very attractive Western-European country Belgium is not only home to Brussels as the European capital, but to various other strategically and culturally important cities as well: Antwerp, Zeebrugge (both with very important sea ports), Bruges, Ghent, Namur, Liège, etc. All these cities, the coast and even the mountainous Ardennes are all located within a 2—hour drive radius from Brussels Charleroi Airport, which makes the country very easy to explore in all its glory. Neighboured by France, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, Belgium is at the very centre of Europe’s most prosperous region. The enormous purchasing power, not only of its own residents, but also of those in the closest regions of its neighbouring countries, combined with the thriving business activities, makes it a key investment and business location. Belgium also boasts a highly developed infrastructure (airports, roads, railways, ports, etc.), smart taxation and the availability of an excellent, flexible and innovative workforce. Belgians are not only known as hard workers, but also as ‘bon vivants’. So it won’t come as a surprise that the country is often associated with the finest beers, chocolates, waffles, fries and haute cuisine. The country also has a rich tradition in arts, think of painters Jan van Eyck (Flemish primitive), Pieter-Paul Rubens (baroque), and René Magritte (surrealism). Belgium is widely regarded as a pioneer in electronic/dance music. Proof of Belgium’s attractively to tourist, is the fact that no less than 36,855,214 overnight stays were booked in 2016 in the country. ### About Air Belgium Air Belgium SA/NV is a Belgian Corporation with its main offices located at Mont-Saint- Guibert in Walloon-Brabant. The Company's objective is to offer business and leisure travellers long-distance flights at a low price. Air Belgium operates from Brussels South Airport. Link for high-resolution photos: https://bit.ly/2JdhAAe Media contact WE Communications Ms. Joyce Chan Mr. Ricky Lai Tel: (852) 2578 3857/ 9627 6609 Tel: (852) 2907 8721/ 6034 2924 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] .