Austrian Airlines (OS, Vienna) has announced its new multi-year strategy, #DriveTo25, which will see growth in its fleet of narrowbody jets at the expense of its Dash 8-400 turboprops whose phase-out will now be accelerated.
"We will invest more than EUR200 million euros (USD228 million) in the expansion of our continental fleet and thus be able to significantly strengthen our position in Vienna," newly appointed chief executive Alexis von Hoensbroech said in a statement.
The carrier plans to grow its fleet of narrowbody jets from the current 36 to 46 within the next year. At present, the Austrian flag carrier operates seven A319-100s, twenty-three A320-200s, three A321-100s, and three A321-200s, the ch-aviation fleets module shows. At the same time, all eighteen Bombardier turboprops will be retired by 2021 at the latest.
"The routes deploying Dash turboprops will be served by Embraer (EMB, São José dos Campos) aircraft in the future, and Airbus planes will be operated on routes currently served by the Embraer," the airline said.
Austrian Airlines...
