Austrian Airlines Marks Historic Moment as EN9910 Embarks on Its Maiden Journey, Signaling the Start of a Revolutionary Fleet Overhaul and a New Era for Short-Haul Services

Published on December 13, 2025

A historic moment for Austrian Airlines occurred today at 5:04 PM, as flight EN9910 embarked on its journey, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in the airline’s history. The Embraer aircraft, previously identified by the registration number OE-LWM, now operates under I-ENJA and has officially been transferred to Verona. Austrian Technik bid farewell to the aircraft with a specially designed banner. This flight is the first of many to signal the start of the airline’s planned fleet transformation, focusing on its short- and medium-haul services. As part of this overhaul, 17 Embraer aircraft are being retired from Austrian Airlines’ fleet, with 13 of them heading to its sister airline, Air Dolomiti. The remaining four will be sold, with the sales process set to begin in early 2026.

“We are saying goodbye to the first of 17 Embraer aircraft, which has served us well and provided important services for many years. We are delighted that a large part of the Embraer fleet will now continue to fly with Austrian’s sister company Air Dolomiti. I would like to thank everyone in the Austrian team who has made the start of the fleet rollover for Austrian Airlines’ short- and medium-haul fleet so quick, safe, and straightforward”, says Stefan-Kenan Scheib, COO Austrian Airlines.

In January 2016, Austrian Airlines saw its first Embraer 195 take flight, marking the beginning of a new era. A total of 17 Embraer aircraft, each seating 120 passengers, were introduced to replace the Fokker fleet. Today, the “Whisky Mike” aircraft bids farewell after an impressive 30,393 operating hours, 21,417 of which were dedicated to Austrian Airlines, completing over nine years of service. Its inaugural flight with Austrian took place on April 18, 2016, between Vienna and Stuttgart, making it the fourth Embraer added to the fleet at that time.

A major fleet overhaul is underway at Austrian Airlines, with plans to replace the 17 Embraer aircraft with six new Airbus A320neo planes, each featuring 180 seats. The first of these new aircraft is set to join the fleet in summer 2026, bringing the airline’s total Airbus fleet to 46 planes.

This change is part of a comprehensive update of Austrian Airlines’ short- and medium-haul fleet. Additionally, the long-haul fleet is undergoing significant modernization. Mid-2024 will see the arrival of the first two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with ten more expected by 2028. This will replace the current long-haul fleet, which includes seven Boeing 777s and three Boeing 767s, bringing the total to 12 state-of-the-art aircraft.

Austrian Airlines is embarking on a strategic plan to streamline its fleet and enhance operational efficiency. Currently, the airline operates a diverse mix of aircraft, including five different types: Embraer, Airbus, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787-9. This varied fleet presents challenges in terms of maintenance, crew training, and operational costs. To address these issues, Austrian Airlines plans to consolidate its fleet into just two families of aircraft, aiming for greater uniformity and cost-effectiveness.

Moving forward, Austrian Airlines will focus on two primary aircraft families. The Airbus A320 family will serve short and medium-haul routes, providing a versatile and reliable solution for regional flights. Meanwhile, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will take over long-haul operations, ensuring the airline continues to offer a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft for international travel. This shift is part of a broader effort to modernize and simplify Austrian Airlines’ operations, making it more competitive in an increasingly challenging aviation market.

The transition to a simplified fleet will also involve phasing out older models. The final Embraer 195, which has been part of the Austrian fleet for several years, is set to be retired by the end of 2028. This marks the beginning of a fleet renewal process that will also see the retirement of other older aircraft types, with the next phase of retirements scheduled for February 2026. This gradual fleet reduction is designed to minimize disruptions while ensuring that Austrian Airlines remains focused on maintaining high standards of service and operational excellence.

By focusing on just two aircraft families, Austrian Airlines aims to achieve significant cost savings in maintenance and training. The move will also help streamline flight operations and improve the overall efficiency of the airline. With a more focused fleet strategy, Austrian Airlines is positioning itself for future growth while continuing to meet the needs of its passengers on both short and long-haul routes.