Near Eastern Crisis

Austrian Airlines: Industry Leader In Flights To Eastern Europe And The Middle East

Austrian Airlines is the flagship carrier of Austria, with headquarters in Vienna, which is also the airline’s main hub at Vienna International Airport.  Vienna International prides itself on the ability of passengers to change flights quickly and easily.  Airport personnel promise that a passenger should never have to spend more than 30 minutes waiting for a connecting flight.  There are plenty of lounges and cafes at Vienna International Airport for those passengers who do have to wait to board connecting flights.

Austrian Airlines was founded 52 years ago, in 1957. Along with its subsidiary Tyrolean, Austrian Airlines focuses on providing multiple choices for air travel to and from Central Europe and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The travel carrier has over 8,500 employees, and is a member not only of the Austrian Airlines Group, but also of the Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance representing 24 different carriers. Most Austrian Airlines jets were built by Airbus or Boeing.

Austrian Airlines is a member of the frequent flyer program called Miles & More.  This is the largest frequent flyer program in Europe, with over 15 million members, and Miles & More is used by 13 European airlines.  The program allows its members to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on all member airlines as well as the airlines that are members of the Star Alliance.

Few airlines place a greater emphasis on safety. For nearly 30 years, since 1981, every Austrian Airlines flight has been accompanied by at least two undercover sky marshals. All pilots and flight attendants receive frequent training with a special emphasis on safety, as well as new technology.

Austrian Airlines wants to be known for its customer service, prompting the airline to launch an extensive customer service program in 2006.  Dozens of new and attractive features were created, ranging from free snack service in the economy class, new passenger lounges and inclusive ground services. Austrian Airlines calls the program a success, pointing to many industry surveys that have given the airline top rankings in customer service and quality.  Austrian Airlines customer service focus ties in with Vienna International Airport’s promise to keep its passengers moving quickly without having to wait longer than half an hour for their connecting flights.

The airline is operating under new management as of February 2009.  Dr. Peter Malanik and Dr. Andreas Bierwirth were appointed as the airline’s chief executive officers with equal rights.  The airline’s board of directors hopes the new management team can strength the airline as it continues to face declining passenger totals in the wake of the global economic crisis.  Austrian Airlines carried 10.7 million passengers in 2008, down from 2007, and the airline expects a further decrease in passenger totals in 2009.  To help combat this expected decrease, Austrian Airlines plans to add four new flights a week to Amman, Jordan in May 2009, keeping with its focus on serving the Middle East.

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