Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier of Austria, with a rich history that traces its roots back to the founding of Österreichische Luftverkehrs AG in 1923. The modern entity was established in 1957 through the merger of two state-sponsored airlines, Air Austria and Austrian Airways. Historically a state-owned enterprise, the airline underwent privatization in the late 2000s due to financial challenges and was eventually acquired by the German Lufthansa Group in 2009.

Today, the brand operates as a key premium subsidiary within the Lufthansa Group, maintaining its headquarters and primary hub at Vienna International Airport in Schwechat. While the brand is quintessentially Austrian, its operations are highly integrated into a global network. Its fleet is "manufactured" in multiple countries, primarily by major aerospace firms including Boeing (USA), Airbus (European Union), and Embraer (Brazil).

As of 2026, Austrian Airlines continues to modernize its fleet under Lufthansa's stewardship, replacing older long-haul jets with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and upgrading short-haul routes with Airbus A320neo family aircraft. The airline remains a prominent member of the Star Alliance, serving as a vital bridge between Western Europe and destinations in Central and Eastern Europe.