Austrian Airlines deploys first Embraer 195 in commercial service from Vienna

Austrian Airlines announced (04-Jan-2016) the launch of scheduled services with Embraer E195 aircraft from Vienna to several Central European destinations including Belgrade, Warschau, Hamburg, Thessaloniki and Tirana, among others. The jet with the registration OE-LWD is the first of a total of 17 Embraer aircraft which will be operated by Austrian by the end of 2017 as part of its fleet renewal programme. Austrian Airlines project leader of the Embraer incorporation Robert Heusmann said, "These 120-seater aircraft will use 18% less fuel per seat. Therefore in the future, flying with Austrian Airlines, will be even more environmentally friendly". The airline will use the E195s, which are former Lufthansa CityLine, to replace a fleet of Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 jets. With the new aircraft, Austrian's fleet average age will be of four years, as the 21 year old Fokkers are being removed from service. Mr Heusmann said, "We are training a total of 200 pilots and 600 flight attendants specialising in this type of aircraft in order to be able to operate a fleet of 17 Embraer jets. [more - original PR] [more - original PR II] [more - original PR German]