The Belgian Paralympic Committee has signed a partnership with Japanese airline All Nippon Airways in the build-up to Tokyo 2020 ©Getty Images

The Belgian Paralympic Committee (BPC) has signed a partnership with Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) in the build-up to Tokyo 2020.

The four-year contract was signed during a gala evening in Brussels in the presence of Paralympic Order recipient Jacques Rogge, a former International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven.

The partnership offers direct flights between Brussels and Tokyo with the airliner serving as the official carrier for the Belgian Olympic and Paralympic teams.

"We are excited to carry the Belgian Olympic and Paralympic athletes to Tokyo in the best possible conditions," Akira Nakamura, ANA's senior vice-president, said.

"The same applies to family members, friends and fans of the athletes.

"We hope to do our part by supporting the Paralympic Team Belgium on the way to and during the 2020 Games."

Wheelchair racer Peter Genyn won two of Belgium's five gold medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images
Wheelchair racer Peter Genyn won two of Belgium's five gold medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

BPC chairman Anne D'Ieteren added: "This is a critical partnership that will allow athletes to travel in comfort and flexibility.

"In addition to financial support, ANA also made guarantees to provide all specific baggage of the delegation, such as sports equipment and wheelchairs, with care to Tokyo."

Belgium ranked 25th in the Rio 2016 Paralympic medal table with five golds, three silvers and three bronzes.

ANA was announced as an official partner of Tokyo 2020 in June 2015, under the category of "Passenger air transportation services".