Austrian Airlines is the flagship carrier of Austria, with headquarters in Vienna, which is also the airline’s main hub at Vienna International Airport.  Vienna International prides itself on the ability of passengers to change flights quickly and easily.  Airport personnel promise that a passenger should never have to spend more than 30 minutes waiting for a connecting flight.  There are plenty of lounges and cafes at Vienna International Airport for those passengers who do have to wait to board connecting flights.

Austrian Airlines was founded 52 years ago, in 1957. Along with its subsidiary Tyrolean, Austrian Airlines focuses on providing multiple choices for air travel to and from Central Europe and Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The travel carrier has over 8,500 employees, and is a member not only of the Austrian Airlines Group, but also of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance representing 24 different carriers. Most Austrian Airlines jets were built by Airbus or 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.

Austrian Airlines is a leader in airline safety, beginning with armed monitoring of its flights in 1981.  At least two undercover sky marshals are on each Austrian Airlines flight. Austrian Airlines staff, especially its pilots and flight attendants, receives frequent safety training with a special focus on in flight safety and technology.

Austrian Airlines wants to be known for its customer service, prompting the airline to launch an extensive customer service program in 2006.  Dozens of new and attractive features were created, ranging from free snack service in the economy class, new passenger lounges and inclusive ground services. Austrian Airlines calls the program a success, pointing to many industry surveys that have given the airline top rankings in customer service and quality.  Austrian Airlines customer service focus ties in with Vienna International Airport’s promise to keep its passengers moving quickly without having to wait longer than half an hour for their connecting flights.

As of February 2009, Drs. Andreas Bierwirth and Peter Malanik have been appointed to service as Austrian Airline’s chief co-executives, with equal rights and responsibilities. Austrian’s board of directors anticipates the new management duo will strengthen the airline despite declining air traffic since the beginning of the global economic crisis in 2008. In 2008, the airline carried 10.7 million passengers, down from 2007, and further deterioration of passenger load is expected in 2009.  To turn the situation around, Austrian Airlines is reinforcing its image as the premier carrier for flights from Europe to the Middle East, adding four flights each week to Amman, Jordan.