Brussels Airlines to resume flights on downsized summer sked

Brussels Airlines will restart commercial flights next month with a significantly downsized summer schedule following a 12-week interruption due to the coronavirus. The company said Monday it will restart flying operations on June 15, and plans to reach 59 destinations in 33 countries in Europe, Africa and the US by August. Hard-hit by the crisis, the Lufthansa subsidiary announced earlier this month it is planning to cut a quarter of its workforce as part of a cost-cutting plan. The company, which employs 4,000 people, has like many airlines suspended flights as a result of the pandemic. It said it is losing E1m a day because of revenue losses, aircraft leasing and maintenance costs, and has asked the government for support. Brussels Airlines’ revised summer plans will consist of 30% of the initially planned summer schedule in Europe and 40% of the long-haul summer program. The company plans to reach 240 weekly flights by August, and to further expand its network beginning in September.<br/>