Austrian Airlines May Delay Boeing 767-300ER Retirement
Austrian Airlines (OS, Vienna) may postpone the planned retirement of its three remaining Boeing 767-300ERs due to ongoing delays in Boeing 787-9 deliveries. Originally scheduled to phase out its Boeing 767 fleet by the end of 2025, the airline had intended to transition to a long-haul fleet centered on the Boeing 787. However, delivery challenges have prompted Austrian Airlines to reconsider its timeline.
“According to the current status, the introduction of additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft may be delayed,” an Austrian Airlines spokesperson told ch-aviation. “For this reason, an extension of the Boeing 767’s service is currently being considered to have a backup in case the arrival of the additional Boeing 787 aircraft is indeed delayed.”
Boeing has faced persistent supply chain and production challenges, impacting its ability to meet delivery commitments. The manufacturer delivered just 15 Boeing 787s in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 51 throughout the year. Many airlines, including Austrian, have experienced delays that are likely to continue into 2025. Austrian Airlines, which currently operates two Boeing 787-9s and has nine more on order, now expects to receive the last of these aircraft by 2028.
The Boeing 767-300ERs currently in Austrian Airlines’ fleet are the last of an original group of nine. While aging, these aircraft have been reliable workhorses for the carrier’s long-haul operations. Extending their service life would provide critical capacity to cover long-haul routes until the delayed Boeing 787s arrive. Austrian’s long-haul fleet also includes six Boeing 777-200ERs, which are slated for replacement by the Boeing 787s as well.
The delivery delays underscore the broader challenges facing Boeing and its airline customers. With supply chain disruptions continuing to ripple across the aviation industry, carriers like Austrian Airlines are finding it necessary to adapt their fleet strategies to maintain operational reliability. Extending the service life of the Boeing 767s, while not ideal, provides Austrian with a stopgap solution to meet passenger demand on its long-haul network.
This decision also reflects Austrian Airlines’ commitment to maintaining schedule integrity while navigating the challenges of fleet modernization. Although the Boeing 787 offers improved fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort, the continued use of the Boeing 767 ensures the airline can uphold service levels during the transitional period.
As Austrian Airlines works to align its fleet strategy with delivery realities, the potential postponement of the Boeing 767-300ER retirement highlights the airline’s focus on adaptability and reliability amid industry-wide uncertainties. This measured approach positions Austrian to bridge the gap until its full complement of Boeing 787-9s arrives, ensuring continuity for its long-haul operations and minimizing disruptions for passengers.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com