Austrian Airlines will retire its 767s and 777s, transitioning to the 787 Dreamliner for long-haul operations. The first new 787 will join Austrian’s fleet in Summer 2024.
Austrian Airlines
Austrian adds FlyNet app for WiFi access
Passengers on Austrian Airlines now have a new option to pay for inflight internet access. The carrier integrated the FlyNet® App, developed by Deutsche Telekom, as part of its passenger experience offering.
Lufthansa Group pitches "Green" fares to boost passenger SAF offset purchases
Airlines have tried selling carbon offsets and alternative fuel options to passengers for a few years now, generally with minimal success. The Lufthansa Group of airlines now hopes to boost sales by making “Green” flights an option earlier in the booking flow, akin to picking between Economy Light or a flexible fare.
Lufthansa Group launches short-haul buy-on-board catering
The stale half-sandwich snack will disappear from Lufthansa Group flights in the new year. Passengers demanded better, and now they have the option to pay for it.
United launches pre-flight COVID testing to London
United Airlines is adding a new sort of pre-flight check to one of its routes: COVID-19 testing. All passengers (over the age of 2) on one of the company’s Newark-London flights will be required to take a test at the airport prior to departure. The test will be free of charge to travelers, with results returned before departure.
Luthansa, Austrian launch SKYdeals "shoppertainment" platform
The future of in-flight shopping is digital. And it will consume passengers’ attention throughout a flight. This is the hope of marketers everywhere and the underlying concept driving the launch of SKYdeals, the new in-flight “shoppertainment” platform now flying on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines.
Deutsche Telekom expands free GX Aviation wifi offering on Lufthansa Group flights
Inmarsat, Deutsche Telekom, and the Lufthansa Group are extending their complimentary inflight wifi access plan. First launched in July 2019, the companies increased the number of covered customers in April 2020 and intend to keep the program alive at least through December 2021.
Cutting connections: Reviewing the connected aircraft retirements
Hundreds of aircraft rapidly retired from service. Hundreds more shifted into limbo, unclear of when they might fly again. The news no longer surprises, though some of the retirements bring about a sense of loss. For inflight connectivity vendors the impact is more than a sense of loss, however, as it maps to real revenue shortfalls with the aircraft removed from service.
Austria to implement minimum fares, short flight surcharges
Prices flying in and out of Austria are set to rise. And at least one airline is happy with the news, though expect lawsuits aplenty before the matter is fully settled.
Lufthansa announces major, permanent fleet restructuring
Lufthansa is not particularly optimistic on the industry’s return to pre-crisis levels. As a result the airline announced significant fleet changes today, with many aircraft to be removed from service.