Austrian Airlines has announced significant changes to its fleet, aiming to simplify operations and increase efficiency. According to information confirmed to Aviation Week correspondent Kurt Hofmann by the Austrian carrier, by 2028 the airline plans to operate only two aircraft types in its fleet: the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
One of the key phases of this restructuring will be the gradual retirement of all 17 Embraer E195LR aircraft. This retirement process is set to begin at the end of 2025 and will be completed by 2028. These aircraft will be replaced by Airbus A320neo jets, with six new units scheduled for delivery to Austrian Airlines soon.
This decision marks the end of an important chapter in Austrian Airlines’ history. In June 2015, the airline announced the acquisition of 17 Embraer 195 aircraft within the Lufthansa Group. Previously owned by Lufthansa CityLine, these aircraft replaced the aging Fokker 70 and 100 models, whose gradual phase-out began in 2016 and was completed by the end of 2017.
In addition to replacing the Fokkers, the Embraers also took over part of the operations previously handled by the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 fleet, of which a total of 18 aircraft passed through the airline. Austrian inherited these aircraft in 2012 following the acquisition of Tyrolean Airways. This fleet was primarily used for domestic and regional flights until its complete retirement in 2021.
Currently, Austrian Airlines operates five different aircraft types: Embraer E195LR, Airbus A320neo/ceo, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-200ER, and Boeing 787-9. However, to standardize and optimize the fleet, the airline will in the future retain only the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787-9, with existing A320ceo models gradually being replaced by newer A320neo aircraft.
This fleet transformation is part of Austrian Airlines’ broader strategy to reduce maintenance costs, increase operational efficiency, and lower greenhouse gas emissions—all in line with the company’s ambition for more sustainable aviation.
