Austrian Airlines is expecting to receive its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner by late February. The initial two aircraft will be coming from Bamboo Airways.
Austrian will incorporate a total of ten Boeing 787-9 aircraft in the coming years. These planes are destined to replace the Boeing 777-200 and 767-300 on long-haul routes.
Originally scheduled for January, the delivery of the first Dreamliner was delayed, necessitating adjustments to Austrian Airlines‘ plans. Francesco Sciortino, Chief Operating Officer, explained to aeroTELEGRAPH that the airline had to adapt to this unexpected delay.
Upon arrival in Vienna, the first 787 will undergo thorough inspection by Austrian Technik to ensure full compliance before entering commercial service. Meanwhile, the second Dreamliner will be sent to Taipei for a more detailed inspection.
Debut on Routes and Fleet Replacement
The Boeing 787-9 will debut on short-haul routes as part of the crew training process. The first long-haul commercial flight from Vienna to New York is scheduled for June 15. Starting from July 1, the route to Chicago will also be operated with the Dreamliner. Both flights are currently serviced by Boeing 777-200.
The Dreamliners will gradually replace the Boeing 777-200 and 767-300, which have an average age of 24 years. With six 777-200 and three 767-300 currently in service, the airline is poised for a significant upgrade that will enhance both passenger experience and operational efficiency.