The first of three Boeing 767-300ER aircraft has left Vienna, bound for the US, as Austrian Airlines finalises the sale of three of its wide-bodied aircraft to Texas-based asset management company MonoCoque Diversified Interests.
The first 767, registration OE-LAT, will fly as flight number OS 1411 to Bagor in Maine, where its customs clearance will be handled before it continues on its way to its final destination: Pinal Airpark in Arizona.
Austrian Airlines staff farewelled the aircraft with a celebration that included writing greetings on the nose of the aircraft.
OE-LAT was delivered by Boeing in 1991 and was in service with Lauda Air from December of that year.
After the complete takeover of Lauda Air in 2004, the aircraft was integrated into the Austrian Airlines fleet. Since 1991, it has completed over 19,000 landings and around 133,000 flight hours. This corresponds to over 15 years in the air.
Two more Boeing 767-300ERs are scheduled to leave the Austrian Airlines fleet this year, all of which are due to go to MonoCoque. The negotiated purchase price has not been disclosed.
The next transfer flight, that of OE-LAX, is scheduled for May, while OE-LAW will follow later this year
“Being able to sell all three Boeing 767s to one buyer is very gratifying and a big step for our fleet transition,” said Austrian Airlines CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech.
“I would like to thank MonoCoque Diversified Interests for the good negotiations and our team for their great commitment.”
“MDI is excited to continue the growth of its passenger and cargo aviation portfolio with the addition of three 767-300ERs,” added MDI’s manager Mary Alice Keyes.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Austrian Airlines, a group with a long history and outstanding pedigree.”
At an average of 28.5 years, the three B767s sold are among the oldest aircraft in the Austrian Airlines fleet. The remaining three B767s are between 20 and 22 years of age.
After the completed handover, Austrian Airlines will continue to have nine long-haul jets at its disposal, which will connect Austria with destinations around the globe – from the US to the Far East. In detail, these are six Boeing 777s with over 300 seats and three Boeing 767s with over 200 seats.
Until the beginning of 2022, 28 aircraft will leave the fleet of Austria’s home carrier: in addition to the aforementioned three Boeing 767-300ERs, 18 Dash turboprops, and seven Airbus A319 jets will be handed over.
Ten turboprops have already left Vienna, with the remaining eight to follow soon. This means that the fleet will consist of around 60 aircraft by the beginning of 2022. As mainly smaller aircraft will be retired, this corresponds to a capacity reduction of around 20 per cent.
Additional reporting by Airlinerwatch.
