Austrian Airlines’ story begins much earlier than many people realize. Commercial aviation in Austria dates back to 1918, when the first regular international flight in the world took place from Vienna to Kiev, carrying mail with stopovers in Krakow-Lemberg and Prosskurow Post. By 1923, Österreichische Luftverkehrs AG (ÖLAG) was founded and quickly grew to become Europe’s fourth-largest airline before World War II.
The modern incarnation of Austrian Airlines was officially established on September 30, 1957, through the merger of Air Austria and Austrian Airways. The airline began scheduled service on March 31, 1958, with its inaugural flight from Vienna to London using leased Vickers Viscount aircraft. In 1960, the airline acquired its own fleet of Vickers Viscount 837s, marking the beginning of its independent operations.
The 1960s brought significant technological advancements as Austrian Airlines entered the jet age. In 1963, the airline ordered its first jet-powered airliner, the Sud Aviation Caravelle. By 1969, Austrian began its long-haul operations with flights to New York, and by 1971, the airline had transitioned to an all-jet fleet after retiring its last Vickers Viscount.
Throughout the 1990s, Austrian Airlines expanded its global presence by forming strategic alliances and increasing its long-haul route network with new services to destinations like China and South Africa. In 2000, it became a member of Star Alliance, significantly enhancing its global connectivity.
The early 2000s saw Austrian Airlines growing through acquisitions of regional carriers Rheintalflug and Lauda Air. In 2003, the airline adopted the shortened “Austrian” brand name. However, financial challenges persisted, and after several years of losses, the Austrian government decided to privatize the airline in 2008. The Lufthansa Group acquired Austrian Airlines in 2009 after receiving approval from the European Commission.
Since joining the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines has undergone significant restructuring. Between 2012 and 2015, all Austrian Airlines flights were temporarily transferred to its subsidiary Tyrolean Airways due to labor disputes. In April 2015, flights returned to Austrian Airlines following a new labor agreement, and Tyrolean Airways was merged back into its parent company.
Fleet and Hubs
Austrian Airlines maintains a diverse fleet optimized for both short and long-haul operations. The airline currently operates approximately 68 aircraft consisting of Boeing widebodies for long-haul routes and Airbus narrowbodies for European services.
The long-haul fleet has traditionally consisted of Boeing 767-300ERs and Boeing 777-200ERs, but Austrian is currently undergoing a significant fleet modernization program. In 2024, the airline began introducing Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to gradually replace its aging long-haul fleet. By 2028, Austrian plans to have 11 Boeing 787-9s in service, with the first two already operational.
For short and medium-haul routes, Austrian operates aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, including A320s and A321s. The airline has also introduced more fuel-efficient A320neo models to its fleet. Additionally, Austrian utilizes Embraer E195 regional jets for shorter routes throughout Europe.
Vienna International Airport serves as Austrian Airlines’ primary hub, connecting passengers from across Europe to destinations worldwide. The airline’s strategic location makes it a natural gateway between Western Europe and destinations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Austrian also maintains a secondary focus on operations at Innsbruck Airport.
Quick Facts
- Founded: September 30, 1957 (through merger of Air Austria and Austrian Airways)
- First Flight: March 31, 1958 (Vienna to London)
- Headquarters: Schwechat, Austria (on the grounds of Vienna International Airport)
- Owner: Lufthansa Group (since 2009)
- Alliance: Star Alliance (member since 2000)
- Fleet Size: Approximately 68 aircraft
- Destinations: Over 120 destinations in 55 countries
- Main Hub: Vienna International Airport
- Secondary Hub: Innsbruck Airport
- CEO: Annette Mann
- Awards: Winner of the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Award for “Best Airline Staff in Europe”
- Frequent Flyer Program: Miles & More (shared with Lufthansa Group airlines)
- Classes of Service: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class
Contact Information
Austrian Airlines offers several channels for customer service and support:
Phone Support:
- International (English): +43 5 1766 3100 (24 hours/day)
- German language service: +43 5 1766 3000 (Monday to Friday: 07:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.)
- US Toll-Free: (800) 843-0002
Online Support:
- Website: www.austrian.com
- The airline provides dedicated online forms for specific requests such as refunds, feedback on past flights, and technical support with online services.
Social Media: Austrian Airlines maintains active accounts on major social media platforms, providing another channel for customer inquiries and updates.
Special Assistance: For passengers requiring special assistance or having specific needs, Austrian Airlines offers dedicated services through their website or by contacting their customer service directly.
The Future of Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines is embarking on an ambitious path of fleet modernization and sustainability initiatives that will shape its operations in the coming years.
Fleet Renewal and Expansion
The most significant development in Austrian’s near future is the comprehensive renewal of its long-haul fleet. The airline has committed to replacing its entire Boeing 767 and 777 fleet with 11 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners between 2024 and 2028. Two of these aircraft have already entered service in 2024, with more to follow.
This fleet modernization brings substantial benefits. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners consume approximately 20% less fuel than their predecessors, feature state-of-the-art cabin designs, and provide improved passenger comfort with features like larger windows and enhanced cabin pressurization.
Austrian is also implementing innovative technologies like AeroSHARK on four of its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. This “sharkskin” surface technology reduces friction and fuel consumption, further lowering CO2 emissions.
Sustainability Initiatives
Environmental responsibility is increasingly central to Austrian Airlines’ strategy. As part of the Lufthansa Group, Austrian has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has set an interim target of halving its net CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Key elements of Austrian’s sustainability roadmap include:
- Fleet modernization with more fuel-efficient aircraft
- Implementation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
- Beginning in 2025, all flights departing from EU airports will incorporate mandatory SAF blending in accordance with the EU’s ReFuelEU regulation
- Optimization of flight operations to reduce fuel consumption
- Introduction of “Green Fares” that offset flight-related CO2 emissions through SAF use and climate protection projects
The airline is also working to reduce resource consumption more broadly, including measures to minimize waste and increase recycling in its operations.
Network Expansion
Austrian Airlines continues to develop its route network, focusing on strengthening Vienna’s position as a hub for traffic between Western Europe and destinations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Recent network expansions include new destinations like Boston on long-haul routes and Ivalo in Finnish Lapland for seasonal winter tourism. Additional frequencies to popular destinations have also been implemented to meet growing demand.
Operational Efficiency
To address economic challenges including high government fees for departures from Vienna, Austrian Airlines has extended its “BoOSt” efficiency program into 2025. This initiative aims to streamline operations and reduce unit costs while maintaining service standards.
The airline is also planning significant investments to enhance passenger experience both on the ground and in the air, focusing on digital services and cabin improvements.
Austrian Airlines faces a competitive landscape, particularly at its Vienna hub, but its strategic position within the Lufthansa Group, ongoing fleet modernization, and focus on operational excellence position it well for continued success as Austria’s flag carrier and a key player in European aviation.
Keyword: TopAirlines