The first long-haul flight with the new Austrian Airlines Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 took off. with the registration OE-LPL and the flight number OS87 to JFK Airport in New York. “The ‘Dreamliner’ lives up to its name and makes dreams come true. 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,” says Austrian Airlines CCO Michael Trestl.
Upon entering, the inviting cabin of the Boeing 787 welcomes you with a spacious ambience. The Dreamliner accommodates a total of 294 passengers, including 26 seats in Business Class, 21 in Premium Economy, and 247 in Economy Class. Guests in Business Class can enjoy generously sized seats that can easily be transformed into lieflat beds. In addition to maximum comfort, every seat offers direct access to the aisle and abundant stowage space. Furthermore, raised side panels of the seats ensure greater privacy.
Whether it is Business, Premium Economy or Economy Class, traveling with the Dreamliner promises a new, enhanced travel experience in every booking class. For example, you can enjoy more space and comfort thanks to the significantly larger overhead compartments. Passengers can also expect an innovative lighting system on board. It adapts to the biorhythm depending on the time of day or night and thus not only ensures additional comfort on board but has also been proven to help reduce jet lag. Particularly low-noise engines also make the flight in the Dreamliner a relaxed travelling experience.
The Boeing 787 is also known for having the largest windows in aviation industry and ensures that even guests sitting in a middle seat have a view of the horizon. Through electronic dimming, passengers can regulate the light exposure according to their individual preferences while still enjoying the breathtaking views above the clouds.
In addition, the long-awaited Internet access is gradually being introduced in Austrian Airlines’ intercontinental fleet. On long-haul flights with the Boeing 787, guests are now offered FlyNet messaging free of charge in alle booking classes. Additionally, passengers can choose between two paid WiFi packages – the FlyNet Premium 2-hour for 15 euros or the FlyNet Premium Full Flight package for 25 euros. HON Circle Members always benefit from free FlyNet Premium access on intercontinental Dreamliner flights.
Austrian delight above the clouds
In addition to all the amenities offered by the latest aircraft model in the Austrian Airlines fleet, there is of course no shortage of indulgence, culinary delights and Austrian hospitality. On board the Dreamliner, Austrian Airlines passengers can look forward to the “Tastefully Austrian” long-haul menu, which stands out significantly from other airlines. For example, the DO & CO Flying Chefs and the “Viennese coffee house service on board” provide culinary delights in Business Class. Meanwhile passengers in Premium Economy or Economy travel class can also choose between different menus.
Inaugural flight of the OE-LPL marks the beginning of a new era
Austrian Airlines is facing a significant milestone in 2024. With the OE-LPL, Austrian Airlines begins the modernization and expansion of its long-haul fleet. Ten more Boeing 787-9s will gradually replace the existing long-haul jets of the Boeing 777 and 767 families by 2028. “With the Dreamliner, Austrian Airlines is taking off into a new era of aircraft, is on course for growth and can position itself optimally in international competition. The integration of a total of eleven Boeing 787-9 aircraft over the next four years is a significant signal for Austria as a business location, our hub Vienna and an important step towards the future”, says Austrian Airlines CEO Annette Mann.
“Austrian Airlines is the most important airline at Vienna Airport which accounts for close to half our passenger volume. The deployment of the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner by our home carrier represents a milestone in the history of the airline and the airport. The expansion of the long-haul fleet enables Austrian Airlines to boost its business and long-haul flight offering from Vienna. North America is at the forefront of Vienna Airport’s long-haul flight service. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner adds greater capacity and new flight connections to the USA. This is also a strong signal of growth for Vienna as an aviation hub”, says Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, in congratulating Austrian Airlines on the successful start of the Dreamliner.
The Boeing 787 reduces CO2 impact
With the new Dreamliner, Austria’s home carrier receives an aircraft type of the latest technology generation. “With the integration of the Boeing 787-9, we are opting for one of the most innovative long-haul models on the market. Thanks to innovative technology, lower weight, good aerodynamics and state-of-the-art engines, the Dreamliners are significantly more efficient than their predecessor models,” explains Austrian Airlines COO Francesco Sciortino. At around 2.5 liters of fuel per passenger per 100 kilometers of flight distance, fuel consumption is up to 20 percent lower compared to a Boeing 767, thus enabling a reduced CO2 impact. The second, new Boeing 787-9 with the red white-red tail and the registration OE-LPM is scheduled to take off for its inaugural flight to Chicago in just a few weeks.
Before the guests board the new aircraft model in the Austrian Airlines fleet with the registration OE LPL, they will be welcomed and introduced to “the new Servus in the air” during a gate event attended by Austrian Airlines board members CEO Annette Mann, CCO Michael Trestl, and COO Francesco Sciortino, as well as Julian Jäger, Executive Board member of Vienna Airport. In addition to a photo wall for commemorative pictures of the inaugural flight and 787-themed goodies, passengers will be treated to culinary delights at the gate.
