Brussels Airlines Upgrades Business Class Dining & Service

Lufthansa Group subsidiary Brussels Airlines has announced plans to very nicely upgrade its business class soft product on long haul flights…

Brussels Airlines long haul business class gets upgrades

As of April 1, 2025, Brussels Airlines will be elevating its business class dining experience on long haul flights, from the tableware, to the service flow.

So, what’s changing? For one, the airline is introducing a new tableware collection. This will include tableware with round shapes and a warm white base, complemented with a signature colored bowl with blue and bronze accents, inspired by the Brussels Airlines uniform.

There will also be new cutlery, shaped to subtly reflect the contour of an airplane, along with new linens made from “an earthy yet elegant texture.”

The airline is also updating its meal service. Earlier this year, Brussels Airlines launched a partnership with Chef Arabelle Meirlaen. The airline is now looking to improve that concept further, with a more elaborate cheeseboard, dessert, and even fresh-cut fruit, after the meal. On flights to Brussels, the focus is on a seamless service and efficiency, to maximize rest.

Brussels Airlines is also updating its service, which it describes as a “personalized, boutique hotel-inspired service flow.” Meals will be presented in a more personal, hand delivered manner.

There’s nothing here that I’d consider to be a total game changer, but this is all generally positive news, and these sound like a lot of little improvements that should add up. Here’s how Sandy Coenen, Brussels Airlines’ Inflight Product Manager, describes these changes:

“At Brussels Airlines, we believe that travel is about more than just reaching your destination, it’s about creating unforgettable moments. Our new tableware collection is designed to enhance the onboard dining experience, combining elegance with functionality. By partnering with top Belgian culinary talents and using the finest ingredients, we aim to turn dining into a highlight of the journey. ​ We are also offering more than just a service, we see it as an opportunity for our guests to connect with the crew in a personal and memorable way. This refined dining concept, reflects our dedication to offering the highest standards of comfort, sophistication, and hospitality.”

New Brussels Airlines business class seats coming 2027

In September 2024, I wrote about how Brussels Airlines plans to not only expand its long haul fleet, but also introduce new cabins, including a new business class product. Those upgrades are expected to happen progressively as of 2027, though we don’t have any details yet as to what kind of a seat the airline will introduce (I’m assuming it won’t be a version of the Allegris product!)

I haven’t flown Brussels Airlines’ A330 business class since 2019, when the latest generation business class product was introduced. I found the experience to be pleasant, and I’d certainly take Brussels Airlines over the current state of Lufthansa’s long haul fleet.

Brussels Airlines has a strange position in Lufthansa Group. Obviously there’s a heavy focus on Lufthansa and SWISS, while Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines often seem like they don’t get the attention they deserve.

Austrian Airlines arguably has Lufthansa Group’s best long haul business class soft product, and I love flying with the airline. But despite that, the airline really doesn’t get much investment from the parent company.

Meanwhile Brussels Airlines’ long haul network is so heavily focused on Africa, but then there’s limited North America connectivity, for those looking for one-stop service between North America and Africa. I’d love to see Brussels Airlines get a bit more investment from the parent company, and even grow significantly, but that seems unlikely.

Bottom line

While Brussels Airlines is only introducing new business class seats in 2027, the airline is making some minor updates to its business class soft product in the meantime. Specifically, the airline is introducing new tableware, upgrading parts of its meals, and introducing a new service flow.

It’s always nice to see airlines making improvements, so kudos to the carrier. It’s also a good reminder that I should probably give Brussels Airlines another shot.

What do you make of Brussels Airlines’ business class upgrades?