Austrian Airlines Inaugurates Its New Boeing 787 to New York

Austrian Airlines’ new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has landed at New York JFK following its debut flight, leading the carrier’s efforts to modernize its long-haul fleet.

The plane and its passengers were greeted at JFK by carrier executives Annette Mann (CEO), Michael Trestl (CCO), and Francesco Sciortino (COO), who hosted a ribbon cutting with cabin crew and local staff.

“We are delighted that our passengers can enjoy our Austrian hospitality combined with new, innovative travel comfort, starting from today’s inaugural flight on the long-haul route to New York,” Trestl said.

Photo: Courtesy of Francesco Sciortino / LinkedIn

The plane is the first of the ten Dreamliners Austrian will incorporate into its fleet over the next four years, replacing aging models.

Acquired from previous owner, Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways, the plane is so new to Austrian Airways that it hasn’t yet been painted with the carrier’s red livery.

The jet will now operate Austrian Airlines’ popular, daily route from its home base of Vienna (VIE) to New York (JFK), flights OS87 and OS88.

The route was previously operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, which seats forty more passengers. However, the Dreamliner is lighter and more aerodynamic, so it uses up to 30 percent less fuel than its predecessors, allowing Boeing and airline operators to pitch it more sustainably.

Improved Passenger Experience

Austrian Airlines says the jet “aircraft heightens the Austrian customer experience while contributing to [owner] Lufthansa Group’s sustainable aviation mission,” namely its pledge to half emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

Onboard, passengers will enjoy the Dreamliner’s expansive windows, the largest in the industry, ingeniously placed so even passengers in middle seats can enjoy horizon views. Their window shade can be adjusted with a simple touch.

Photo: Boeing 787, Business Class. Courtesy of Austrian Airlines

Other improved amenities include larger overhead luggage compartments, a lighting system that reflects passengers’ biorhythms to reduce jet lag and quieter engines.

Austrian Airlines is using a three-class cabin configuration with a total of 294 seats. The 26 passengers seated in Business Class can relax on lie-flat beds with 6.5 feet of personal space, direct aisle access, and high side panels for privacy.

The 21 travelers in Premium Economy seats will enjoy extended legroom, while the 247 seats in the Economy cabin are described as “spacious” and “ergonomic.”

Photo: Boeing 787, Business Class. Courtesy of Austrian Airlines

The Dreamliner’s galley kitchens have been outfitted to prepare Austrian Airlines’ “Tastefully Austrian” long-haul menu, a dining concept for business class passengers that debuted last summer.

Travelers can request their snacks and meals be served at a time of their choosing, selecting from Austrian-inspired and international plates prepared by an onboard chef and lighter Gabelbisse nibbles. They can also enjoy a coffee and dessert service inspired by Vienna’s famous Kaffeehaus culture.

Photo: Boeing 787, Business Class. Courtesy of Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines flight crews were trained on the Dreamliner on short trips from Vienna to Frankfurt (FRA), Berlin (BER), and Düsseldorf (DUS), ensuring they’re familiar with the plane and ready to meet passenger needs.

Meanwhile, Austrian Airlines has already taken possession of the first of five Boeing 787s being transferred from its group partner Lufthansa. These planes have been flown to Teruel Airport (TEV) in Spain, where they will be repainted ahead of their debut in the coming weeks.

“With the Dreamliner, Austrian Airlines is taking off to a new era of aircraft and is setting course for growth,” airline CEO Annette Mann said last year when the airline first revealed its fleet rejuvenation plans.