ANA to launch Tokyo-Brussels service

ANA plans to launch a new route from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Brussels, raising the total number of European cities it serves direct to six.

The new route to the Belgian capital will start from the 2015 winter schedule, adding to the direct services ANA already operates from either Narita or Haneda to Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, London and Paris. ANA also provides convenient access from a number of other Japanese airports to a wide range of destinations across Europe through a joint venture with its Star Alliance partner Lufthansa Group which enables passengers to transit easily through Frankfurt and Munich.

The new destination of Brussels is one of the most important political cities in Europe, home to the principal institutions of the European Union, other EU-related organizations and the headquarters of NATO. Brussels is also a major economic and financial center, home to many multinational corporations. Also many Japanese companies are based in Brussels and each year a total of 90,000 passenger board transit flights from Japan. The city also has a wealth of tourist attractions including excellent dining, rich culture and many architectural treasures, and is visited by tourists from all over the world.

The exact date of the start of service, the flight timetable, and the type of aircraft to be used on the route will be announced nearer to the time, subject to the approval of the relevant authorities.

“We are proud to be introducing the only flight between Japan and Brussels starting this autumn. We hope to play a role in strengthening the bond between Japan and Belgium and forging new business opportunities in the future.” said ANA President and CEO Osamu Shinobe.

“We are thrilled to welcome ANA to the family of airlines flying to Brussels, one of Europe’s major hubs, which lacked a direct flight from Japan. The new route will provide improved convenience for both European and Japanese travellers,” said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

Currently, Brussels Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group as well as a member of Star Alliance, is building a network of flights to destinations inside and outside Europe centered on its hub at Brussels Airport. The option for ANA passengers to change flights in Brussels will provide greater convenience for those wishing to transit to flights reaching a wider range of European destinations.

© Japan Today