In the third quarter of the current year, Austrian Airlines was also able to benefit from significantly increased ticket prices coupled with high demand. The carrier achieved an adjusted EBIT of 129 million euros. There were 4,5 million passengers on board. 

With sales of 741 million euros, the third quarter was 8% above the previous year's level (Q3 2022: 687 million euros). Both total revenue (762 million euros) and total expenses (633 million euros) were 6% and 4%, respectively, just above the comparable period of the previous year (total revenue Q3 2022: 719 million euros, total expenses Q3 2022: 609 million euros). At 129 million euros, the adjusted operating result (Adjusted EBIT) is 17% above the same quarter of the previous year (Q3 2022: 110 million euros). 

With almost 4,5 million passengers, Austrian Airlines transported as many passengers as in the comparable quarter of 2019. The 65 aircraft in Austrian's existing fleet were filled to capacity at an average of 87,7% and took off with a regularity of 99,3%. For the first time after the natural fluctuation caused by the crisis, the red-white-red airline's workforce increased again to just over 6.000 employees. 

Austrian Airlines also sees the above-average inflation in Austria - in direct comparison with other EU countries - as a problem. “We are in direct competition with Europe and the world. The continued above-average inflation in Austria is now having a full impact on all areas of our cost structure through indexation and wage agreements and will hit us even harder in the coming year,” explains CEO Annette Mann. “In addition, Europe going it alone on climate issues will further disadvantage the Vienna hub compared to non-EU hubs from 2025. “It will therefore require significant political course corrections as well as close strategic cooperation between all stakeholders in the location in order to be able to maintain Vienna as an international hub in the 2030s.” 

Despite a fleet that is 16 aircraft smaller, Austrian Airlines transported as many passengers in the third quarter as in 2019. As last year, Austrian can continue to assert itself among the European leaders in terms of the punctuality of its flights (81,6% punctuality upon arrival). “We are continuously working on our performance and can proudly assert ourselves among the top positions of the most punctual airlines in Europe,” emphasizes COO Francesco Sciortino. In September 2023, Austrian was the second most punctual airline in Europe. In addition, the red-white-red airline's flights took off with a regularity of 99,3% in the third quarter. “Thanks to the performance of all our employees and the good cooperation with our partners at our home airport, we remain a reliable travel partner and number one at the Vienna hub!” says Francesco Sciortino. 

“The tourist booking outlook for the winter also currently meets our expectations. Our recently opened route to Seville is very popular with our guests. In December we are also offering new connections north to Rovaniemi and Kittilä. In 2024 we want to further expand our route network with new routes and additional aircraft and further develop our clear positioning as a red-white-red constant,” says CCO Michael Trestl. Demand for travel for business travelers remains hesitant compared to pre-crisis levels.