More than 20 years since the route closed, a direct link has been re-established between Singapore and Brussels. The inaugural flight of Singapore Airlines (SIA), SQ303, took off on Saturday, accompanied by a maritime salute. This again makes it possible to travel non-stop from Brussels to the Asian metropolis.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Singapore’s Ambassador to Belgium, Lim Hong Huai, Acting Senior Vice President of Marketing for Singapore Airlines, Dai Hao Yu, and the CEO of Brussels Airlines, Arnaud Feist, attended the launch event.
Feist noted the significance of Singapore as a key gateway to Asia in their expanding Asian network. “SIA is deeply committed to passenger experience and sustainability, operating flights with a long-haul version of the Airbus A350-900, one of the most energy-efficient and quietest planes in its class,” he added.
De Croo highlighted the economic importance of the new link. “Belgium’s prosperity relies on its openness to the rest of the world, making a direct link to Singapore vital,” he said, emphasising the “tight economic ties” between the two nations.
Belgian exports to Asia account for approximately 9% of the country’s total. The inclusion of Brussels brings SIA’s total number of European gateways on its network to 13. Four weekly flights will be provided between Brussels Airport and Singapore Changi Airport.
