The premium quality airline, Austrian, is a multi-award-winning part of the Lufthansa Group. The national carrier of Austria is based in Vienna and is shaped by its company motto: “We carry Austria and the famous Austrian hospitality in our hearts, and ever more customers into the world.”
Now, Austrian Airlines has been honoured with the Business Destinations Travel Award for Best Business Class Airline, Europe, 2013.
A new way to travel
Austrian Airlines’ brand new Business Class long-haul product is an outstanding flight experience. There are several features that distinguish Austrian Airlines from its competitors, such as Austrian hospitality, the friendliness of the crew and the incomparably high quality of the onboard foods, drinks and services. Business Class customers save time with the Business Class counter, or by checking in online 36 hours before a flight – a service that allows each passenger to select their ideal upgrade option.
With the award-winning and internationally established company DO & CO, Austrian has chosen a partner that creates airline foods using only fresh raw ingredients. DO & CO has succeeded in improving the reputation of in-flight meals by offering exclusively homemade food.
On board Austrian’s long-haul Business Class, a qualified chef from Austrian’s catering partner DO & CO accompanies the crew, who takes the passengers’ orders and also serves the freshly prepared meals. Most of Austrian’s flight attendants are trained sommeliers and will recommend the perfect wine to complement the menu. Business Class guests also enjoy a unique coffee house service, offering up to ten different Austrian coffee specialties. Austrian is the only airline worldwide providing such a service.
Now, the airline has installed a state-of-the-art cabin with new hi-tech, and very impressive, seating into all long-range aircraft. The premium Business Class long-haul seat, from the manufacturer Thompson Aero Seating, offers some extraordinary features. The innovative seat can be turned into a fully flat bed, almost two metres in length, and is equipped with a pneumatic air cushion system that can be adjusted to be firmer or softer for individual comfort. It can also be operated via an innovative touchscreen panel, which has already been granted the Crystal Cabin award this year.
The staggered seating concept within the Austrian long-haul Business Class gives every single customer direct aisle access on the Boeing 767 fleet and approximately 80 percent aisle access on the Boeing 777 fleet, thus offering greater comfort for all passengers. Both Business Class and Economy Class are fitted with a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system with touchscreens, providing more than 100 hours of entertainment on demand.
Additionally, the Economy Class cabin has been refurbished and fitted with a similar, sleek colour design to that of the revamped Business Class. The new ergonomic seat is slimmer and, because the seat pitch has not been reduced, provides passengers with more legroom. By reclining the seat, the sitting area will automatically shift to the front to create a more comfortable relaxation position.
Austrian’s flight attendants are trained sommeliers and will recommend the perfect wine to complement the menu
A remarkable experience
Austrian makes business travel a pleasure: the facilities at the airline’s hub, Vienna airport, have recently been upgraded with a state-of-the-art terminal ‘Check-in 3’. Expect a luxurious ambience, both at the airport and in the clouds, when travelling Austrian Airlines within Europe. Designated check-in areas, priority luggage handling and a higher baggage allowance, as well as a designated fast lane and access to brand new Austrian business lounges are awaiting all Business Class passengers.
On board, further highlights make flying Austrian special. The seat next to every Business Class guest is marked with ‘reserved for your comfort’ and will remain empty for the entire flight. A wide range of international and local newspapers and magazines are also offered, while passengers enjoy exclusive DO & CO meals, along with cold and hot beverages.
Austrian Airlines CCO Karsten Benz said: “The outstanding services by our charming Austrian crew and first-class catering by DO & CO have received excellent feedback already in the past. However the recent upgrade of our long-haul cabin has proved to be a major contributor to customer satisfaction. We are now providing first-class service consistently to our Business Class clients. We are delighted and honoured about the fact that delivering this unique ‘Austrian feeling’ is now being rewarded and we are Best Business Class Airline, Europe, 2013.”
