All Nippon Airways (ANA) is gearing up to launch a new route from its base at Tokyo Narita to Brussels, the capital city of Belgium.

The airline confirmed that the service will begin in winter 2015.

The new route will complement ANA’s existing European services. The airline services Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, London and Paris from both Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda airports.

The new route represents a first in the Japanese aviation industry. Until now, travellers from Japan have had to access Brussels through other European gateways which usually rely on codeshares. For example, before the launch of this route, ANA passengers would use its ties with Star Alliance partner Lufthansa to access a stop-over route to Brussels.

“We are thrilled to welcome ANA to the family of airlines flying to Brussels, one of Europe’s major hubs, which lacked a direct flight from Japan,” said Brussels Airport Company’s CEO, Arnaud Feist. “The new route will provide improved convenience for both European and Japanese travellers. www.ana.co.jp