Austrian Airlines: Industry Leader In Flights To Eastern Europe And The Middle East
Austria’s national carrier is the eponymous Austrian Airlines, with its central offices in Vienna, and its main hub at Vienna’s international airport, also known as Wien Schwechat. The Vienna airport is known throughout the industry for its singular ability to move passengers quickly and conveniently to connecting flights, almost always in 30 minutes or less. Passengers waiting for flights to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, can find just enough time to enjoy the airports boutiques, coffee shops, cafes, and lounges to make the wait seem even shorter.
Austrian Airlines was founded in 1957 and serves 117 destinations with its major focus on Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Many of the flights to Eastern Europe and the Middle East are handled by a subsidiary of Austrian Airlines called Tyrolean. Austrian Airlines has over 8,500 employees. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance and the Austrian Airlines Group. The Star Alliance is the largest airline alliance in the world with 24 members. The airline operates a flight that consists of planes built by Airbus and Boeing.
Austrian’s frequent flyer program is Miles & More. Used by 13 European airlines and by over 15 million people, Miles & More is the most popular frequent flyer scheme in Europe. It permits its members to earn and use their frequent flyer miles on all 13 member airlines as well as all the carriers in 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.
Just as Vienna’s airport offers singular efficiency in transferring passengers in 30 minutes or less, Austrian Airlines also seeks to offer singular customer service. In a complete revamping of its customer service program in 2006, Austrian added dozens of new features, ranging from free snack service in economy to new passenger lounges at airports, along with all-inclusive ground services. The airlines calls the new customer service program a success, proudly pointing to the many industry surveys giving them top rankings in quality and customer service.
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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