New direct flight between Brussels and Tokyo

Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) on Sunday launched a new route between Brussels Airport and Tokyo's Narita Airport. It has been 15 years since there was a direction connection between the two capitals. ANA now flies daily at 20.15 from Brussels to Tokyo.

ANA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner received a festive welcome at Brussels Airport on Sunday. The aircraft has room for 169 passengers. "This direct flight between Belgium and Japan will strengthen our economic cooperation," said Kris Peeters, the Belgian minister for work, economy and consumer affairs, at the inauguration of the new route.

This year, about 112,000 Japanese tourists visited Belgium, and 19,000 Belgians travelled to Japan. The new direct flight is expected to further boost tourism in both countries.

“With nearly 5,000 Japanese living and working in Belgium, and more than 240 Japanese companies operating from Belgium, the new route offers an additional means to attract Japanese investment," added Peeters.

The new connection will also lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs in and around Brussels Airport.