AVGEEK
How airports win the routes that change a network
Brussels Airport’s Leon Verhallen explains how airports court airlines, why Jet Airways’ scissor hub worked and what Europe’s secondary hubs must do to compete.
The conversation
How does an airport persuade an airline that a route belongs in its network?
In Episode 79 of The Indian AvGeek, Vishal Mehra speaks with Leon Verhallen, Director Aviation Development at Brussels Airport Company, about the commercial work behind new airline routes.
They discuss Brussels Airport’s route-development strategy, the operating logic of Jet Airways’ Brussels scissor hub, the competition among European gateways, rail connectivity, long-haul airline economics and the case for a future direct India–Brussels service.
The conversation is about the often invisible decisions that turn airport ambition into a viable airline route.
Key Takeaways
- Leon describes route development as active market building: airports need their own growth strategy rather than waiting for a home carrier.
- Brussels’ “have seats will travel” strategy connects five airline segments with four passenger segments, from local demand to transfer traffic.
- A route pitch needs evidence of demand, passenger mix, costs, support and airport capacity; incentives cannot compensate for high aeronautical charges.
- Route development can take years: Leon contrasts the long pursuit of Singapore Airlines and LATAM with European launches achieved in under six months.
- Better high-speed rail access is a priority for Brussels Airport’s catchment strategy.