Austrian Airlines Business Class Cabins
In 1923, Walter Barda-Bardenau requested permission from the Austrian government to start an airline. The government approved the request and granted him 1% ownership. The Austrian railway transportation company received 50% of the shares, while airplane manufacturer Junkers-Werke obtained the remaining 49%. The initial fleet included Junkers F-13 aircraft. Their first flight took place in May 1923 at Vienna Jedlesee.
Austrian Airlines Routes
By 1927, the airline expanded its network to include routes to Berlin, Budapest, Milan, and Vienna. In 1938, it added flights to Rome, Paris, and London. However, following the annexation of Austria by Germany in March 1938, these plans came to a halt. Lufthansa took full control of the airline in January 1939. By June 1939, the company was removed from the commercial register.
After World War II, Austria found itself without a national airline. In 1957, Air Austria and Austrian Airways merged to form Austrian Airlines. The newly established airline launched its first official flight in March 1958 from Vienna to Zurich and London.
During the 2000s, Austrian Airlines expanded by acquiring Lauda Air and Rheintalflug Air. Despite the growth, the airline started losing millions of dollars annually in the early 2000s. In 2008, the Austrian government, acting on expert advice, decided to sell the airline to a foreign company to avoid further losses. As a result, the Lufthansa Group acquired Austrian Airlines in 2009.
The following years were also difficult. Disagreements over profitability led to cost-cutting measures and flight cancellations. In 2012, the airline transferred all flights to its subsidiary Tyrolean Airways. Three years later, in 2015, the company reversed the move by merging Tyrolean back into Austrian Airlines and restoring flight operations under the original name.
Today, Austrian Airlines operates as a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group. It is headquartered at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat, which also serves as its primary hub. Currently, it holds the status of Austria’s official flag carrier.
Austrian Airlines Destinations and Lounges
Austrian Airlines offers six domestic routes and over 120 year-round international flights. In addition, it serves seasonal destinations in as many as 60 countries. As a member of the Lufthansa Group, the airline naturally belongs to the Star Alliance program. Remarkably, Austrian Airlines has maintained profitability for the past 15 years.
At its hub in Vienna, the airline operates several premium lounges. These include three Business Lounges, two Senator Lounges, and two HON-Circle Lounges. Consistently, these lounges rank among the top in the world. Access is reserved for business and first-class passengers as well as Star Alliance Gold Members traveling internationally. Day passes are available for $120.
Austrian Airlines Business Class Meals
A chef on board prepares meals for Business Class passengers. Most of Austrian Airlines’ fleet consists of aircraft from the Airbus family. In particular, A320s make up a significant portion and have received upgraded seats and cabin designs. For long-haul flights, the airline uses Boeing 767s and 777s. These aircraft offer video on demand and fully flat beds to enhance passenger comfort.
Furthermore, Austrian Airlines operates a holiday brand called Austrian myHoliday. This branch handles seasonal charter flights to popular tourist destinations. Austrian Airlines provides the aircraft, crew, and catering for these flights, with catering managed by their in-house company, Do & Co.
