It seems that the powers at be at Lufthansa Group have decided which aircraft Austrian Airlines will be getting for its long-haul fleet renewal.
And it will be the Boeing 787-9.
Austrian_787-9 – Rendering, Austrian Airlines
The airline will gain Ten Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The first 787 will be landing beginning of 2024 in Vienna and will expand the flag carrier’s fleet to 66 aircraft already during the summer flight schedule in 2024.
The nine additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft will be delivered by 2028.
In turn, will replace the current long-haul jets in the Austrian fleet, with it comprising of the three Boeing 767-300ER and six Boeing 777-200ER – in effect – a one-for-one aircraft swap, with a spare for growth or maintenance.
The 787s will be transferred gradually from Lufthansa Airlines respectively from existing orders of the Lufthansa Group.
There is an ecological benefit too – with the 787-9 consuming 20% less fuel than the current 767-300ER.
The airline has not indicated what seating product will be installed for its economy, premium economy or business class. Given that these aircraft will be coming from the Lufthansa order, it wouldn’t be too far of a guess that a variant of the Alegris/Senses product could well find its way aboard the new aircraft.
In Quotes
Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann said
“With the ‘Dreamliner’ Austrian Airlines is taking off to a new era of aircraft and is setting course for growth. The fleet induction of ten Boeing 787-9 in the coming five years shows that we are fit for investments and the future”,
Austrian Airlines COO Francesco Sciortino:
“With Boeing 787-9 we are bringing one of the most innovative long-haul models on the market to Austrian Airlines. This is a team effort Austrian Airlines can be proud of.“
CCO Michael Trestl concluded:
„The ‘Dreamliner’ is living up to its name. We are happy that our guests will be able to enjoy the new travel comfort as of the expected maiden flight next summer”,
Not unexpected, but welcome
When Lufthansa Group announced its mega order so many years ago, there was a good indication that they would be getting them, thanks to a render released by the group (as well as this blog covering it).
New Boeing 787s in Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian liveries – Image, Lufthansa Group
Originally, a timeline of 2022 to 2027 was anticipated – it seems that timeline is being extended a little – as a few things have happened in the world since the announcement in 2019.
It is however a big step forward for the airline, with the new aircraft coming to the fleet, that will offer a modern passenger experience, with the benefits the Boeing 787 family brings, along with fleet commonality, as well as expansion possibilities for the airline, which will have an extra aircraft to play with.
Providing the Austrian warmth travels with the new aircraft, they should offer a great passenger experience.
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