Austrian Airlines Decreases Long Haul Flights
Austrian Airlines is reviewing a series of plans that are designed to optimize the production of the company while kerosene prices rise and demand falls during the current crisis of the aviation industry. In the airline’s first step, they will be accomplishing selective adjustments in their capacity in the next months. Routes destined for Chicago and the London City Airport will be cut from the airline’s schedule, starting on August 18th for the London City Airport and the winter schedule for Chicago destinations, and there will be other reductions taking place in Europe during the winter. As of right now, their production overall will be decreased by 5% for the winter in comparison to the original schedule, as 3 aircrafts will be grounded by 2009.
Alfred Ötsch, the Chief Executive Officer for Austrian Airlines, commented that they are selectively reacting to the aviation industry’s intense situation in this move. On the North Atlantic flights, which are under a lot of pressure because of the weak dollar and economic collapse in activity, they are going to be decreasing their capacities by 21% total during the winter, he continued, and complementing their series of measures, there will be seasonal frequency reductions for a variety of markets in the western part of Europe, and they will not affect their attractive network of routes in the growing Eastern and Central European markets, as well as the markets in the Middle East, as these markets are a competitive advantage and fundamental strength. Ötsch added that the new Premium Service that Austrian Airlines offers will also begin on July 15th as they planned.
To learn more about Austrian Airlines, go to www.aua.com
