Austrian Airlines confirmed on April 19, 2023, that it will be adding 10 Boeing 787-9s to its fleet, with the first aircraft set to arrive during the first quarter of 2024
The Dreamliners will join the fleet progressively until 2028, with the aim of eventually fully replacing the airline’s Boeing 767-300ER and B777-300ERs.
The addition of the new aircraft will see the Austrian flag carrier increase the number of aircraft it operates from nine to 10, bringing its total fleet to 66 airplanes.
The future of Austrian Airlines long-haul fleet has long been a source of speculation in the media, as it was understood that the airline was looking for replacements for its ageing B767 and B777-200 fleets.
Austrian Airlines currently operates six Boeing 777-300ER and three Boeing 767-300ERs, both types on a three-class configuration. The airline is also renewing part of its single-aisle fleet and received the first of four brand new Airbus A320neo in September 2022.
The Boeing 787-9s will be transferred to Austrian Airlines from pre-existing Lufthansa Group orders. These new aircraft are expected to bring about a 20% reduction in fuel consumption in comparison to the older B767s.