Six Additional Airbus A320 for the Austrian Airlines Fleet

The fleet development announced in January 2019 is now taking shape, in that Austrian Airlines has secured six additional A320 aircraft. The first of these jets is scheduled for delivery in August 2019. In the next few days, the aircraft will receive the red and white Austrian color scheme in Jacksonville, FL. A total of ten additional jets will replace the 18 Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft by 2021. Austrian will thus increase its Airbus fleet from 36 to 46 aircraft. As of June 30, 2019, the entire Austrian Airlines fleet consisted of 82 aircraft.

Austrian Airlines CCO Andreas Otto explained the strategic fleet development: "These six additional A320s should also be understood as a strong signal towards low cost competition. We are defending our market position and are determined to fight for our customers."

Four A320 aircraft from Avianca Brasil, two from Juneyao

Four of the six additional A320 jets are leased from Aviation Capital and were previously flown by Avianca Brasil. These aircraft are already undergoing the necessary delivery check. The first A320 plane is expected to be transferred to Austrian Airlines in mid-August. Additional planes will be supplied at the end of August, as well as in September and October of this year. Following the necessary modifications and adaptations, the first aircraft should be operating on Austrian Airlines’ behalf in December 2019. Austrian Airlines will take possession of two other Airbus jets, purchased from CDB Aviation, which are currently operated by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao.

Dash phase-out occurring

In 2019, Austrian Airlines already decommissioned two Dash aircraft. The handover of an additional Dash turboprop is planned for later this year. Nine other Dash turboprops are scheduled to be phased out from the Austrian Airlines fleet in the course of 2020; the remaining six will follow in 2021.