Austrian Airlines has performed a selfless act by auctioning off some of its seats and catering trolleys for a charitable cause.
All in the name of a good cause
Partnering with online auction house AURENA, Austria’s flag carrier auctioned 11 rows of Economy Class seats from its Boeing 767 fleet that are no longer required. The seats being auctioned were predominately in service on the carrier’s transatlantic flights and were removed to make way for new Premium Economy Class seats during a cabin upgrade. They also offered more than 170 flight trolleys for sale that have the potential to become a unique feature in someone’s home. Both the seats and the trolleys have been restored and renovated to their original standard.
While for a good cause, the auction also allows for numerous individuals to own a piece of Austrian aviation history.
During the auction itself, more than 390 bidders placed 2,500 bids. Austrian Airlines ended up collecting a total of €58,587.
The large total proceeds collected from the auction will go to the Austrian aid non-governmental organisation Nachbar in Not (neighbour-in-need), which will help refugees from Ukraine fleeing the war gain access to everyday necessities such as food, water, medicines, hygiene and sanitary products.
Austrian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Trestl, commented on the charitable project:
“As the red-white-red flag-carrier, which has been connecting Austria with Europe and the world for more than 60 years, we are very pleased to share a piece of aviation history – and thereby help people in need. With this charity project we want to make at least a small contribution to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We would like to thank all bidders, who have placed bids during the auction and thus contributed in helping people in need.”
Martina Schloffer is Deputy Head of International Cooperation at the Austrian Red Cross. She welcomed Austrian Airlines and AURENA coming together to achieve this charitable project for Nachbar in Not:
“We thank Austrian Airlines and AURENA for this charitable project for the benefit of Nachbar in Not. Millions of people are currently suffering and depend on humanitarian aid. The donations will allow us to facilitate needs-based assistance, like water, food supplies, hygiene products or medicines.”
What do you think about Austrian Airlines’ unique idea to raise money for a worthy cause? Would you have liked to own a piece of Austrian aviation history? Share all your thoughts in the comments below.
