Yearly Archives: 2019

WestJet enters a new global era with the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrival

WestJet’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (C-GUDH), named in honor of the airline’s chairman and founder, Clive Beddoe, was delivered to WestJet’s hometown of Calgary on January 17, marking a new global era for Canada’s favorite airline.

The aircraft departed Everett, Wash., in the morning after a naming ceremony in the presence of Mr. Beddoe, members of the WestJet executive team and select WestJetters.

WestJet will use its 320-seat Dreamliner to begin longer-range flying while giving guests a choice of Economy, Premium and Business cabins.

WestJet’s Dreamliners feature WestJet’s first lie-flat business cabin seats accompanied by luxurious blankets and pillows, turndown service and in-seat TVs, offering a premium service with a distinctly Canadian feel. WestJet Premium will offer seats in a 2x3x2 configuration, an elevated guest experience with a separate and private cabin, cozy blankets and pillows available on every seat along with a self-serve social area.

The aircraft also features the Boeing-designed turbulence-dampening technology, improved air quality to reduce jetlag and larger windows that give an increased sense of space.

The first Dreamliner will fly guests domestically on Toronto/Calgary routes starting February 20 to assist with crew familiarisation before the first international service from Calgary to London (Gatwick) on April 28.

The second and third WestJet Dreamliners are currently on the production line at Boeing’s factory and will be delivered in February and March this year to coincide with the start of Calgary–Paris and Calgary–Dublin services respectively.

All photos by WestJet.

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American Airlines’ flight attendant union supports American Federation of Government employees

APFA union has issued this statement:

Today marks day 27 of the Government shutdown and our Nation’s airports are feeling the impact. At DFW Airport yesterday, TSA workers hosted a rally to show their frustration with how the shutdown is impacting them.

Lori Bassani, National President of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) made the following statement yesterday in support of the TSA Union members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

“TSA workers are an instrumental part of the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and security of our crews and passengers every day. As Flight Attendants, we feel safer due to the important service our AFGE Brothers and Sisters provide. Today and every day we stand shoulder to shoulder with AFGE members and urge the Government to end this shutdown and pay their employees for their critical part in keeping our country secure.”

Qatar Airways launches its new “A World Like Never Before’ ad campaign

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Qatar Airways has made this announcement:

Qatar Airways starts the year with the launch of the airline’s biggest and most cinematic brand campaign to date, ‘A World Like Never Before’. Inspired by Hollywood and produced by some of the movie industry’s most talented creative minds, the commercial takes passengers on a magical journey to a fantasy world that will capture their hearts and imagination.

The campaign, which launches globally on January 17, 2019, shows how flying with Qatar Airways transforms the entire experience of travel – and turns the familiar into something truly magical. Everything that Qatar Airways passengers see and do becomes an experience like never before.

The centerpiece of the new global campaign is a charming and visually stunning film portraying one family’s journey with Qatar Airways. The fairy-tale voyage takes them from their flight through to the romantic streets of Paris, to the vibrant ice-rink and parades of New York City, the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, the comfort and serenity of the airline’s A380 lounge and the compelling mix of tradition and modernity of Doha – before the family finally return to their QSuite flat-bed – and then drift off to sleep in award-winning comfort.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “This campaign embodies everything at the heart of Qatar Airways’ brand values, as well as the pride we share in providing exceptional service to our passengers across the globe.

“The aim is to inspire and delight the viewer, and open them up to the possibilities that Qatar Airways, as the world’s fastest growing airline, has to offer with gateways to more than 160 exciting destinations around the world.

“We want people to see the world in a new and exciting way… Like Never Before.”

‘A world like never before’ was conceived and created by 180 Kingsday – Qatar Airways’ agency of record – and produced by iconic London production company, RSA Films (Ridley Scott Associates).

The filmic and beautifully crafted art direction represents the premium experience of flying Qatar.The film combines set design, special effects and seamless choreography – more akin to a Hollywood blockbuster than a TV commercial.

The world-renowned production team was led by director Ben Scott, whose background in production design was central to bringing to life the vision of a world like never before. Working with him was director of photography John Mathieson – the twice Oscar nominated cameraman who previously shot Gladiator and Phantom of the Opera – and production designer Jonathan Lee who art directed feature films ‘Star Wars Episode 2’ and ‘Elizabeth’.

Director Ben Scott of RSA Films said: “Qatar Airways have been extremely bold in giving me the freedom to make this film. It takes its cue from the period of first-class travel, by using the craft and technique from the golden days of the Hollywood musical. We have created a fantastical journey around the world. Something I hope feels like a dream come true.”

Qatar Airways’ vision is brought to life in a truly cinematic way. Filmed on the biggest green screen in Europe by an incredible pool of talent, including a production crew of more than 200 people across four continents, as well as using a real ice rink and incredible detailed, handmade props. Post-production was handled by MPC in Amsterdam and London. MPC were behind the incredible after effects of films such as The Greatest Showman, The Jungle Book and this year’s The Lion King.

The campaign includes film, digital, print, events and product campaigns featuring the airlines award-winning cuisine, service, in-flight entertainment and Oryx Kids Club.

Fiji Airways to retire its single Boeing 737-700

Fiji Airways is refreshing its narrow-body fleet with new Boeing 737-8 MAX 8s.

Fiji Airways operates a single Boeing 737-700.

Currently the airline is planning to operate its last Boeing 737-700 revenue flight with the pictured DQ-FJF on October 31, 2019. According to Airline Route, the planned last route will be from Sydney to the Nadi base.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Fiji Airways (2nd) Boeing 737-7X2 WL DQ-FJF (msn 28878) SYD (John Adlard). Image: 913224.

Fiji Airways aircraft slide show:

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Boeing and United Airlines announce repeat orders for 737 MAX and 777

https://airlinersgallery.smugmug.com/Airlines-USA6/United-Airlines-NC-Boeing/i-3dp9dgf/A

United Airlines and Boeing announced the carrier ordered 24 additional 737 MAX jets and four more 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes last year. The $4.5 billion order, according to list prices, was booked as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.

The Chicago-based airline has steadily placed new orders for the two Boeing jets to serve its large domestic and international network. United Airlines is among the more than 100 customers who have made the 737 MAX the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, receiving more than 5,000 orders since the program’s launch.

The 777 has become the best-selling twin-aisle jet family in history, earning more than 2,000 orders. In fact, United’s order pushed the program over the 2,000 threshold in December. It is also the most reliable twin-aisle jet flying today with the highest schedule reliability in the industry at 99.5 percent. The 777-300ER can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

United also utilizes Boeing Global Services to enhance its operations of their large fleet of Boeing aircraft. Multiple digital Boeing solutions, including those powered by Boeing AnalytX, optimize its operations. Recently, United signed for crew management and electronic flight bag (EFB) tools to enhance operational efficiency across all phases of flight.

Top Copyright Photo (all other images by Boeing): United Airlines Boeing 777-300 ER N2737U (msn 62649) LHR (SPA). Image: 944179.

United Airlines aircraft slide show (Boeing):

Aer Lingus officially unveils its “Eurowhite” new livery

Aer Lingus today (January 17, 2019) unveiled a refreshed brand with updated logo and new aircraft livery, reflecting the airline’s position as a modern and contemporary Irish brand that competes on the international stage. The new brand identity supports Aer Lingus’ ambition to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic.

The new logo retains but restyles the iconic shamrock, adding a tilt to symbolise dynamism and speed, with heart-shaped leaves reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the brand. Guests will see four shamrocks on the new Aer Lingus aircraft livery. The first is within the new logo, the second sits on the tailfin, a third welcomes guests at the door, and a final surprise on the wingtip is in prime position for capturing on social media.

The Aer Lingus logo font has changed to ‘diodrum’ and the dominant colour is teal. The body of the new look Aer Lingus aircraft will be white with a teal-coloured tail and engines, bringing a sleek, contemporary feel to the design. The teal undercarriage means that Aer Lingus will be instantly recognisable to those on the ground. The brand refresh is being rolled out today across all brand platforms, with a new website design and new app design. It will be visible across all guest touchpoints, from check-in to boarding gate and on to the aircraft.

The refresh is part of the airline’s ambitious growth plan which will see Aer Lingus increase its North Atlantic fleet from 17 to 30 aircraft by 2023. Overall, Aer Lingus plans to grow its A330 fleet to 16 aircraft (from 13 in 2017) and invest in 14 new A321LRs to provide capacity for growth across the Atlantic and within Europe.

Sean Doyle, Chief Executive Officer (above), Aer Lingus said:

“Aer Lingus is a modern Irish international success story, built on hard work, enterprise and the commitment of our people. We’re delighted to unveil our brand refresh today, which comes more than 20 years after Aer Lingus last invested in new brand livery, and reflects our position as a modern, contemporary airline. Aer Lingus has had exceptional success in recent years: adding new routes, new aircraft, new jobs and new opportunities for colleagues and guests alike.

“The refreshed brand reflects an airline that connects those living in Montreal to Marseilles; in Berlin to Boston; as well as those living in Cork to Croatia. The benefit for Ireland of being at the fulcrum of such connections is considerable and we in Aer Lingus are determined to realise this potential for Ireland.

“We have ambitious plans for our future and the years ahead, yet we are aware of challenges facing the modern industry and thus investment in our new brand identity and livery; our new uniforms which will be unveiled later this year; and our fleet expansion are considered investments in the future of Aer Lingus to enable us realise our ambition to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic.”

Mike Rutter, Chief Operating Officer, Aer Lingus said:

“The Aer Lingus brand has evolved significantly over the last number of years. Since 2015, we’ve invested significantly in our business, improving our value proposition and overall guest experience and becoming Ireland’s only four star airline. Innovations that we have introduced include the roll-out of WiFi on our A330s, automated check-in and bag drop at Dublin Airport, Business Class improvement with fully lie-flat beds and economy catering upgrades. We’ve also enhanced our performance to become the most punctual airline at Dublin Airport.

“We conducted extensive guest research across Ireland, Europe & North America to inform every key stage of the process to ensure that the brand revealed today is reflective of our value carrier positioning. This research confirmed the importance of our shamrock – the Irish emblem has been at the heart of the Aer Lingus brand for more than 80 years, and we made the shamrock ‘hearts’ more pronounced to reflect our hospitality and service.

“The new look Aer Lingus livery consolidates our position as a modern, contemporary Irish airline on the international stage, but also allows guests who have always loved our brand to maintain a positive affiliation.”

The new look Aer Lingus brand will be introduced today across the app, website, guest check in and boarding gates. The brand refresh is being delivered in keeping with Aer Lingus’ value carrier model, as part of the company’s business as usual aircraft painting programme. All new aircraft will be delivered sporting the new livery and the updating of digital assets has been done in a highly cost-effective manner.

The Airbus A330 (A330-300 series aircraft, EI-EDY, St Munchin) was unveiled at an event in Aer Lingus’ Hangar 6 at Dublin Airport, where it had been painted on-site. The A320 (A320-200 series aircraft, EI-CVA, St Schira.) flew from Shannon Airport, where it had been painted. The new liveried A330 aircraft will take to the skies for the first time on Friday 18 January, operating flight EI105, where it will be met by a reception in John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Brand Refresh – Things you didn’t know

· More than 50 shamrock designs were considered as part of the brand refresh process.

· Hundreds of items across every aspect of the business were audited for the refreshed brand identity to improve the guest experience. The list included everything from the Aer Lingus check-in desks, to airport signage, to lounges, to onboard menus and everything else in between.

· An aircraft is usually repainted every seven to eight years.

· When an aircraft goes in for painting, the critical areas that aren’t going to be painted are protected. The fuselage and wings are metal and stripper is applied to remove the paint followed by primer. Composite areas, such as the tailplane, are sanded down. The aircraft is then washed down and a base coat and top coat are applied followed by a clear coat.

· A wide-body aircraft takes about 10 days and about 850 litres of paint, the narrow-body takes between seven and eight days and uses around 500 litres. The thickness of the paint can vary slightly so it’s measured and its effect on the aircraft weight is taken into account. Our Airbus A330s can weigh up to 233,000kg while an Airbus A320 can be 73,500kg.

About Lippincott

Lippincott, a creative consultancy specialising in brand innovation, led the brand refresh project. They have seven locations across the globe, including New York, Boston and London. Lippincott has extensive airline experience having most recently worked on Delta, Southwest, and Hawaiian airlines. They have worked extensively with Airbus and therefore have a deep understanding of all the complexities involved in designing for and painting an aircraft. The lead designer on this project was Dublin native Brendán Murphy who has been working with Lippincott in New York for over 20 years. Brendán has seen a changing Ireland and a changing Aer Lingus through a US lens and was pivotal in understanding the airline’s ambition to be the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic.

All images by Are Lingus.

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Spirit Airlines adds new routes from Raleigh/Durham

Spirit Airlines has announced new service to and from Raleigh/Durham.

Beginning May 2, 2019, Spirit will launch nonstop daily service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, New Orleans, and Orlando.

Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) to/from:	Starts:	Frequency:
Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC (BWI)	May 2, 2019	2x daily, year-round
Boston, MA (BOS)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round
Chicago, IL (ORD)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round
Detroit, MI (DTW)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round
Orlando, FL (MCO)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round
Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round
New Orleans, LA (MSY)	May 2, 2019	Daily, year-round

Along with the new service to and from Raleigh-Durham, Spirit is also announcing two additional routes set to roll-out at the same time. Starting May 2, Spirit will begin daily nonstop seasonal service between Atlanta and Denver. Then on May 23, the airline will launch daily nonstop service between Philadelphia and San Juan, Puerto Rico. These additional routes will only strengthen Spirit’s domestic and Caribbean service.

Route:	Starts:	Frequency:
Atlanta, GA (ATL) – Denver, CO (DEN)	May 2, 2019	Daily, seasonal (Runs 5/2/19 – 9/4/19)
Philadelphia, PA (PHL) – San Juan, PR (SJU)	May 23, 2019	Daily, year-round

It also comes after Spirit announced it would begin serving Austin, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana in early 2019, and is adding more nonstop flights from Jacksonville, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The airline is also in the process of installing state-of-the-art high-speed satellite-based Wi-Fi to its entire fleet.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Spirit is removing “Home of the Bare Fare” from its 2014 yellow livery. Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-132 N512NK (msn 2673) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945308.

Spirit Airlines aircraft slide show:

Star Air to commence operations on January 25

Star Air (India) has announced it will begin scheduled passenger operations on January 25. The new airline received its AOC on January 1, 2019.

The upstart is introducing service from Bengaluru to Hubballi.

Norwegian to offer free WiFi on Boeing 787-9 and 737-8 MAX 8 fleet

Norwegian is upgrading the passenger experience with the introduction of inflight WiFi on its growing long-haul fleet of aircraft. As the first low-cost carrier to introduce free WiFi on intercontinental flights, Norwegian customers will be able to stay connected with the rollout of basic and premium high-speed WiFi connectivity on the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft.

The first WiFi connected Norwegian Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft was delivered on December 18, 2018 (reg: G-CKWP) and features American author Mark Twain on its tailfin. The new aircraft has entered service, which marks the first time Norwegian passengers can experience free inflight WiFi for the full duration of long-haul flights.

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Norwegian became the first carrier to offer free WiFi on all European routes in 2011 and the first European airline to successfully offer live television in the skies in 2015. Since 2013, Norwegian has rapidly grown to become a leading long-haul airline offering more than 60 long-haul routes between Europe, the United States, South America and Asia serviced by modern, state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient aircraft.

Norwegian Air’s US route map for the summer of 2019:

More than 50 percent of Norwegian’s 787-9 Dreamliner fleet is expected to offer in-flight connectivity by 2020. The rollout of WiFi on the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will commence from mid-January 2019.

“We’re continuously improving the inflight customer experience and we’re delighted to be the first airline offering free WiFi for the full duration of long-haul flights. Millions of Norwegian customers have already enjoyed free WiFi over the skies of Europe and now long-haul passengers can continue to rely on free and high-speed internet connectivity that will enhance and personalize their journeys. From being the first European airline to launch free WiFi on all short-haul flights followed by free live television, Norwegian’s rollout of high-quality inflight broadband services will offer business and leisure travelers even greater value at affordable fares,” said Vice President Business Development Boris Bubresko, Norwegian.

Passengers will enjoy fast speed internet using the wireless inflight connectivity platform, CabinConnect™ by Collins Aerospace. Passengers will have highly secured access to content through CabinConnect including their favorite shows, inflight map and voice and messaging services through their devices.

CabinConnect uses the Inmarsat Global Aviation (GX) satellite network, specifically designed to offer passengers consistent, reliable high-speed global inflight connectivity. Inflight WiFi works via an antenna fitted to each aircraft fuselage that communicates with Inmarsat’s GX satellite network.

“We are collaborating with Norwegian to achieve their vision of optimizing their aircraft and enterprise operations to address both cabin and flight deck requirements, as well as adding new capabilities for the future,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, Vice President of Information Management Services at Collins Aerospace.

In 2019, five brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 19 737 MAX aircraft will join Norwegian’s fleet. Norwegian currently operates 24 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as part of its overall Dreamliner fleet of 32 aircraft.

Two packages – Basic and Premium inflight WiFi

Norwegian economy and Premium customers on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX will have the choice of two inflight WiFi packages:

Basic option

The Basic option is free and will allow customers to browse the web, stay-up-to-date on social media, send and receive emails and instant messages with friends, family and colleagues by using their personal mobile phones, tablets and laptops on board for the full length of the flight.

Premium option

Fast enough to stream music, movies and television shows on Netflix, YouTube and Hulu among others, Norwegian will offer passengers a Premium high-speed WiFi option.

Premium high-speed WiFi will be available at an introductory price of $14.95 USD for a three-hour package. Customers can select their preferred currency when choosing the WiFi package.

In the U.S., Norwegian continues to be the fastest growing foreign airline, and will operate from 17 airports and currently offers more than 50 nonstop routes to Europe, as well as four routes from the U.S. to Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean, and three routes out of Canada.

Austrian Airlines to expand its Airbus fleet, will phase out its 18 Bombardier Q400s by 2021

Austrian Airlines plans to expand its Airbus fleet from the current 36 planes to a total of 46 over the next three years. At the same time, its 18 76-seat Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) turboprop aircraft will be phased out by 2021. Flights from Vienna will also be expanded by more than ten percent.

Austrian Airlines has announced:

Austrian Airlines has managed the turnaround after a tough restructuring period and now operates profitably. The airline is also headed towards positive operating earnings in 2018 following strong passenger growth of more than one million customers, comprising a year-on-year rise of 8.5 percent. The solid demand by passengers and increasing competition in Vienna has led the red-white-red national carrier to lay the strategic foundations for the future. The airline’s Airbus fleet will already be expanded from the current 36 planes to a total of 46 aircraft over the next three years.

At the same time, Austrian Airlines will phase out its 18 turboprop aircraft with 76 seats. On balance, the flight offering from Vienna will be expanded by more than ten percent, in light of the fact that jets belonging to the Airbus A320 family are considerably larger than the turboprops.

In April Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) will already begin construction work on expanding the simulator training center at Vienna Airport in order to create sufficient space for two additional A320 flight simulators for pilot training purposes. Completion of the extension project involving costs of EUR 20 million is planned for the first quarter of 2020. At present four simulators are being operated in Vienna (for Dash, Embraer and A320 aircraft).

Triggered by plans to phase out the Dash aircraft, Austrian Airlines intends to reorganize decentralized bilateral flight traffic between Austria and Germany within the Lufthansa Group. For example, it is much easier for Lufthansa to fly from its (centralized) flight hub in Frankfurt than vice versa. “We are already holding talks with our sister companies in the Group”, von Hoensbroech says. Austrian Airlines considers decentralized flight traffic to encompass all of its flights which do not depart from Vienna Airport, for example on the Salzburg-Frankfurt or Linz-Düsseldorf routes. Flights between Vienna and the federal provinces of Austria will remain unaffected at the moment. As already announced, the four aircraft currently deployed by the Group sister airline Swiss in Switzerland under a wet lease agreement will be transferred to Vienna at the end of the winter flight schedule.

In this connection, Austrian Airlines will transfer all existing decentralized flight crew bases located in Altenrhein, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz and Salzburg to Vienna. The 200 impacted employees will be offered the opportunity to work in Vienna.

Fleet decision, network simplification and transfer of the decentralized crew bases are three main aspects of the 10-point program called #DriveTo25, which the Austrian Airlines Management Board presented to the general public today. The new strategy was already acknowledged and approved at the most recent meeting of the Supervisory Board of Austrian Airlines held at the end of November 2018.

An overview of the 10-Point Program #DriveTo25:

1. “Operational Excellence”: In spite of adverse conditions i.e. airspace congestion, Austrian Airlines succeeded in maintaining a level of punctuality and reliability above the European average in 2018. In 2019, the airline wants to improve its processes and once again achieve the world-class level of flight operations customers are used to with the help of digitalization and a closer cooperation with Vienna Airport.

2. Austrian Airlines also wants to review its administrative and operational processes and save EUR 20-30 million on the basis of simplification, digitalization and avoiding duplication. Savings are to be avoided which are to the detriment of customers.

3. Under the heading “New Premium”, Austrian Airline’s efforts should place a greater emphasis on the customer and his needs. Personalized product improvements should position Austrian Airlines as the first-choice carrier. This Lufthansa Group-wide product strategy is to be coordinated from Vienna.

4. With a catchment area of 11 million inhabitants and a transfer rate of about 50%, Austrian Airlines also plays the role of a hub carrier, and Vienna Airport serves as its flight hub. This function should be strengthened in the future on the basis of a stronger orientation of the route network to Vienna. In turn, there will be a realignment of decentralized flight traffic within the Lufthansa Group. Examples of decentralized routes are Innsbruck-Frankfurt and Linz-Düsseldorf. There is high demand on these routes, but they also generate a high level of complexity because the aircraft cannot be productively deployed due to the rotations for the crews as well as technical maintenance.

5. In order to avoid overly complicated crew rotations, the decentralized crew bases currently being operated in Altenrhein, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Linz and Salzburg will be relocated to Vienna. The 200 employees will be given the opportunity of employment in Vienna.

6. Technical Operations: Austrian Airlines aims to place even greater priority on the technical maintenance of its own aircraft in the future. At present the airline is also strongly involved in third-party business, which will be cut back. Third-party business means that maintenance and repair work is also carried out on aircraft operated by other airlines.

7. Continental fleet: Austrian Airlines will part ways with its turboprop aircraft earlier than planned and remove them from the fleet by 2021. At the same time, it will expand its medium-haul Airbus fleet to 46 planes. The airline currently operates 18 DHC-8-400 (Q400) turboprops and 36 Airbus A320 jets.

This step will eliminate complexity from the fleet structure by avoiding the need to operate and service one type of aircraft. A precise plan is being developed to determine when particular turboprop aircraft will be relinquished and when the A320 aircraft will be acquired. The restructuring of the fleet will comprise an improvement for the network and customers, as the routes deploying Dash jets will be served in the future by Embraer aircraft, and Airbus planes will be operated on routes currently served by the Embraer.

8. Intercontinental fleet: Austrian Airlines realigned its intercontinental network with the 2018/19 winter flight schedule. After a trial period, flight service on unprofitable routes such as Havana, Colombo and Hong Kong was cancelled and the offering to North America was expanded to the same extent. Frequencies on existing routes such as New York and Chicago were increased to daily flight service. By the way, Austrian Airlines will also remove the Seychelles from its flight offering after the winter season and cease flights there at the end of April. In contrast, Mauritius and the Maldives will remain in the flight offering as well-established “warm water destinations”.

The objective is to enhance profitability in order to modernize the long-haul fleet in a subsequent step. The six Boeing 767-300 aircraft with an average age of close to 23 years should be replaced by more modern aircraft at some point in time. In addition, the airline operates six younger Boeing 777 jets with an average age of close to 18 years. In contrast to normal passenger vehicles, aircraft can be deployed for 30 years or longer with the proper maintenance in light of the fact that airplane parts are continually subject to a complete overhaul.

9. Stakeholder Roadmap: Austrian Airlines to strengthen Vienna as an aviation hub in cooperation with its partners. For example, this includes the recently launched “ZOVI” initiative (Zukunftsoffensive Verkehr & Infrastruktur – Future Transport and Infrastructure Program) launched by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology.

10. Finally, Austrian Airlines wants to digitalize and modernize itself, its workplaces and working equipment and not only its aircraft. For example, the entire cabin crew has been equipped with tablets, and in 2019 the Austrian Airlines Traffic Control Center at Vienna Airport will be refurbished.

Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Austrian Airlines Bombardier DHC-8-402 (Q400) OE-LGL (msn 4310) ZRH (Rolf Wallner). Image: 938226.

Austrian aircraft slide show:

Fleet: