Austrian Airlines part of Lufthansa Group received two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft in three class 294 seat configuration featuring business, economy and Premium Economy Class, powered by GEnx-1B74/75 engines, registered OE-LPL and OE-LPM, marking a significant milestone, in modernization and expansion of Austrian’s long-haul fleet.
The Boeing 787s will gradually replace existing Boeing 767 and 777 families by 2028. The integration of a total of eleven Boeing 787-9 aircraft over the next four years, will be transferred gradually from Lufthansa Airlines respectively from existing orders of the Lufthansa Group. This will result in a significant rejuvenation of the Austrian Airlines’ fleet.
The inaugural Boeing 787 transatlantic flight from Vienna (VIE) to New York (JFK) AUA87 on June 15, 2024, operated by OE-LPL transited Air Nav Ireland Shannon High level controlled airspace according to Flightradar24.
Planespotters.net data reveals both Boeing 787-9 has an Irish link briefly placed on Irish registry. OE-LPL msn 62735 was originally built for Hainan Airlines but not taken up. On 14 January 2020 to Bamboo Airways as VN-A818 leased from CALC. In December 2023 took up registration EI-HMH to China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC). In February 2024 was re-registered as OE-LPL prior to delivery to Austrian Airlines.
Sistership OE-LPM msn 62736 too was originally built for Hainan Airlines but not taken up. On 19 December 2019 delivered to Bamboo Airways as VN-A819 leased from CALC. In January 2024 took up registration EI-HMI to China Aircraft Leasing Company (CALC). In February 2024 was re-registered as OE-LPM prior to delivery to Austrian Airlines.
Image Credit: Flughafen Wien – Vienna Airport
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 22 June 2024 All Rights Reserved
