Austrian Airlines Upgrades Fleet: Acquisition of 22 New A320neo Aircraft

Austrian Airlines Expands Fleet with New Boeing 787-9s and A321neo

Austrian Airlines, a member of the Lufthansa Group, has announced plans to expand its long-haul fleet and replace several of its current aircraft. The airline will acquire a total of twelve Boeing 787-9s and six A321neo aircraft.

The additional ten Dreamliners will enable Austrian Airlines to phase out its remaining 767-300ER and 777-200ER aircraft, marking a significant shift in the airline's long-haul operations. The delivery of the five new 787 aircraft is scheduled to begin by the end of 2027.

In addition to these changes, Austrian Airlines will also replace its six A321ceo with six A321neo. This move will modernise the airline's short-haul fleet, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The first narrow-body aircraft are expected to be delivered as early as July 2026.

Austrian Airlines' fleet will be reduced to just two in the future, consisting exclusively of A320 family aircraft and Boeing 787-9. This decision was made due to the higher costs per seat on the Embraer regional jets compared to larger A320 or A320neo aircraft. As a result, the airline plans to phase out its 17-strong Embraer 195LR regional fleet by 2028.

To cover peak summer seasons or routes with low demand, Austrian Airlines will operate wet-lease aircraft. The airline has wet-lease agreements with three ATR 72-600 from Swedish provider Braathens and three A220-300 from AirBaltic. Austrian Airlines has also agreed to operate two aircraft under a wet-lease agreement for Air Dolomiti, a sister company, in the future.

The wet-lease quota in Austrian Airlines' collective agreement with pilots specifies a maximum number of wet-lease aircraft in the single digits. This ensures that the airline maintains a stable workforce and minimises disruptions to its operations.

Kurt Hofmann, a veteran aviation journalist who regularly appears on Austrian, Swiss, and German television and radio stations to discuss commercial aviation topics, covers Austrian news and writes airline profiles or interviews with airline CEOs worldwide for AERO INTERNATIONAL. Hofmann reports that Austrian Airlines has already acquired two Boeing 787-9 aircraft within the Lufthansa Group, with plans to receive a third Dreamliner in winter 2025/2026 and potentially four more used Boeing 787-9s following that.

The phase-out of the Embraer fleet will result in changes in staffing, with retraining of cockpit crews for Boeing and Airbus aircraft already underway. This transition will ensure that Austrian Airlines' pilots are fully prepared to operate the airline's new fleet of aircraft.

In conclusion, Austrian Airlines' expansion and modernisation of its fleet will position the airline for success in the competitive aviation industry. The addition of the Boeing 787-9s and A321neo aircraft will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a more comfortable experience for passengers. The phase-out of the Embraer regional jets and the transition to a smaller, more streamlined fleet will also enable Austrian Airlines to focus on its core operations and maintain a stable workforce.