Air Belgium plans to begin long-haul flights from its Brussels Charleroi base this summer, starting with a Hong Kong service.

The start-up says its first aircraft, an Airbus A340, will arrive at Charleroi in mid-February, and that the flights to Hong Kong will begin in March. Services to other destinations in China and elsewhere in Asia are also planned.

Air Belgium notes the timing of the new route will give it time to complete the process of obtaining its operating licence.

A premium terminal is to be created at Charleroi's Terminal Sud to "meet the needs of business and premium class travellers", says the carrier.

FlightGlobal schedules data shows that Charleroi airport, which is situated around 60km south of Brussels, does not have any long-haul routes.

Source: Cirium Dashboard