Starting March 2017, Brussels Airlines touches down in Asia for the first time. The new route between Brussels (BRU) and Mumbai (BOM) operates five times weekly. As of earlier this year, Belgium offers no direct connection with India. Brussels Airlines chose Mumbai as its first Asian destination partly due to the increasing need for direct service, as well as the airline’s close relationship with Air India. Mumbai ranks as one of the top megacities in the world, with 20 million residents. It is home to many large financial institutions and the Bollywood film industry. India is a longstanding economic partner for Belgium, with increasing leisure travel between the two countries. “The demand for direct flights for passengers as well as for cargo is high. With more than 50,000 passengers per year, Mumbai is the third most important intercontinental destination for Belgium. Furthermore, with this new route we can offer our guests smooth connections between Mumbai and the rest of Europe via Brussels,” said Lars Redeligx, chief commercial officer, Brussels Airlines. “With India, we add an important market to our hub,” said Bernard Gustin, CEO, Brussels Airlines. “After the departure of a major Indian player out of Brussels earlier this year, we take our responsibility as the national carrier and we create additional employment for our country. The opening of the Mumbai route will lead to 200 additional jobs at Brussels Airlines and will have a positive impact on our suppliers. By next season, we offer the diamond and travel industry direct flights, which is an important investment in our network expansion, but also in the economic relations between Belgium and India.” Brussels Airlines passengers on the route can connect to other Indian cities via Star Alliance partners, as well as other European, African and American destinations. The route is serviced by an Airbus A330, offering business class, economy class and Economy Privilege class. Ticket sales begin next month.