Austrian Airlines ushers in the next generation of flying with the launch of their new Boeing 787s. As of June 15th, the carrier is operating long haul flights between Vienna (VIE) and New York-JFK.
Austrian’s 787s are part of a larger order by Lufthansa Group to replace their widebody fleet. Lufthansa Group has ordered a variety of aircraft, including Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 777X aircraft.
Austrian is receiving 787s to replace its aging Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft that are over 23 years old on average. The planes have been zipping around Europe to get the crew familiarized with the aircraft before it began transatlantic service today.
Annette Mann, Austrian Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, had this to say about the new aircraft:
“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.”
Annette Mann, Austrian CEO
Austrian’s 787 Dreamliner Schedule
Austrian is currently operating the 787 on its daily flight between Vienna and New York-JFK. The flights are operating on the following schedule:
Vienna (VIE) – New York (JFK)
OS 87 Departs: 4:55p Arrives: 8:05p
New York (JFK) – Vienna (VIE)
OS 88 Departs: 9:45p Arrives: 11:55a (+1)
In addition to the New York route, beginning on July 1st, the airline will operate the 787 between Chicago (ORD) and Vienna. Those flights will operate on the following schedule:
Vienna (VIE) – Chicago (ORD)
OS 65 Departs: 10:30a Arrives: 1:20p
Chicago (ORD) – Vienna (VIE)
OS 66 Departs: 4:20p Arrives: 8:20a (+1)
Both flights are currently available for booking on Austrian.com.
Austrian 787 Dreamliner Layout and Interior
Austrian’s first two Boeing 787 Dreamliners were acquired from Bamboo Airways. The next five will be transferred from Lufthansa, which acquired the planes from Hainan Airlines. All of these planes are equipped with a three-cabin layout featuring 26 Business Class, 21 Premium Economy, and 247 Economy seats.
Business Class is laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration and each seat has direct aisle access. Premium Economy is spread across three rows in a 2-3-2 configuration and Economy is in the standard 3-3-3 layout.
Summary
Austrian Airlines has launched flights between Vienna and New York utilizing its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline is revitalizing their long haul fleet and replacing aircraft that are over 20 years old. Beginning in July, Austrian will also debuit the 787 on the Vienna-Chicago route.
