Austrian Airlines, a Lufthansa Group subsidiary, is seeking significant reductions in location-related taxes and fees as state costs have surged 85 percent since 2019. CEO Annette Mann is requesting the air transport tax be cut from 12 euros to 8 euros.
The carrier reported a first-half loss and plans to reduce its winter flight schedule by 5 percent. Despite these challenges, the airline intends to acquire five new Boeing 787 Dreamliners between 2027 and 2029 to replace its aging Boeing 777 fleet.
Transport Minister Peter Hanke offered a 60-million-euro relief package to support the airline. Expanding the long-haul fleet would secure 350 jobs and a 37-million-euro wage bill, while adding three new international destinations starting in 2027 or 2028.