Brussels Airlines issues tender for Airbus A330 replacement

Brussels Airlines has issued a request for proposals for its Airbus A330 replacement, as it progresses with its Avro RJ100 phase-out. “For the refleet of the A330, the RFP is already in the market and we’re talking to different lessors,” a Brussels Airlines spokeswoman said, adding that the phase-out of its oldest A330s will begin in 2018–19. Brussels Airlines currently operates 9 A330s. A 10th aircraft is due to arrive to operate its new Brussels–Mumbai service, which will open in March 2017. The 5X-weekly Mumbai route, which will be operated by A330s in a 3-class configuration, is being launched following Jet Airways’ decision to switch its main European base from Brussels to Amsterdam. “[This] will be the first time that the Belgian airline [will land] on the Asian continent,” Brussels Airlines said. <br/>