Market Update: Brussels Airlines Premium Economy Gets Business Class Flair – Full Analysis

While premium economy gains hints of business class service, the experience for those flying in that forward cabin gets even better. On long-haul routes, revised menus will celebrate the “best of Belgian cuisine” under chef Glen Verhasselt.

Brussels Airlines business class will also come with more privacy on short-haul flights, with curtains being introduced to separate the cabin from economy. Bottled water before take-off will become a standard offering, as will refresher towels.

Economy flyers aren’t without an upgrade either, as the carrier pledges “an extra food component” on the main meal tray during long-haul flights. Reusable “premium cups” will also be offered during alcohol services on long-haul and short-haul flights in economy.

Brussels Airlines’ improvements follow a broader suite of changes at the Lufthansa Group carrier. Alongside new business class cabins on long-haul flights, Brussels Airlines also recently completed the renovation of ‘THE LOFT’ lounge at its home hub and rolled out free wifi to passengers in all cabins, where available.

A fresh era of flying is also afoot at other Lufthansa Group airlines, including Edelweiss which is stepping up its business class cabin offering.

Lufthansa itself also expects to unlock the bulk of its Boeing 787 business class seats for passenger use by April. While already flying, most of these seats can’t currently be occupied due to delays with safety certification.