Austrian Airlines announced it will add a third Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to its fleet of long-haul aircraft, progressing in its long-term pursuit of a renewed and modernised fleet.
Aircraft Acquisition Process
The new Dreamliner used to be in Lufthansa‘s fleet, but has been transferred to the ownership of Austrian Airlines, and is now under Austrian registration instead of that of Germany’s. The aircraft’s Austrian registration and certification, and refurbishments of the cabin will be taking place in Taipei, Taiwan, after it was transported there directly from Germany.
“We are continuing the fleet renewal on Austrian Airlines’ long-haul routes and are pleased to welcome a total of nine additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to join the three already in service by 2028,” said the COO of Austrian Airlines, Stefan-Kenan Scheib.
The newly acquired aircraft will become the airline’s third Dreamliner that is a part of the long-haul fleet renewal process that began in 2024. This new aircraft is scheduled to be in service by June 2026, following its exterior refurbishments, to be completed in Teruel, Spain, to match the airline’s red and white livery.
Rollover of Older Aircraft in Austrian Airlines Fleet
Not only is the airline renewing its long-haul fleet, it is also in the process of renewing both its medium-haul and short-haul fleet. Its 17 Embraer aircraft will be gradually phased out within the next couple of years, and will be replaced by six new Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline is simplifying its selection of aircraft, decreasing its current offering of five aircraft types, Embraer, Airbus, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787-9, to just two types, Airbus A320 aircraft, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
“This will modernize the Austrian long-haul fleet and offer our passengers an excellent flight experience in an efficient aircraft,” Scheib said.
Upon completion of the rollover of new aircraft, the airline’s long-haul fleet will be exclusively comprised of 12 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Adding to its modernisation, within the next few years the long-haul Dreamliners will all be equipped with the in-flight Starlink internet system, replacing Panasonic’s system.
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