Austrian Airlines was awarded a significant special prize for its services during the presentation of the Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2026.
The expert jury thus recognized the professionalism and hospitality of the more than 2.700 flight attendants of the Austrian flag carrier. At the celebratory gala in Vienna, CEO Annette Mann and representatives of cabin management accepted the trophy from publisher Wolfgang Rosam and Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig. The award underscores the high priority the airline places on customer service and onboard culinary experiences.
A key factor in this award is the company's comprehensive training program. Austrian Airlines is investing heavily in the professional qualifications of its cabin crew to differentiate itself in international competition through service quality. As early as 2025, the airline successfully defended its title for Best Cabin Crew in Europe at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. The company's strategy deliberately focuses on Austrian identity and local charm to offer passengers a distinctive experience above the clouds that goes beyond mere transportation.
The specialization within the crew, particularly the "Austrian Wine Experts" program, was given special mention at the awards ceremony. In cooperation with Austrian Wine Marketing (ÖWM), 155 crew members have so far received intensive training to become ambassadors of Austrian wine culture. These experts provide passengers with in-depth knowledge about the quality and origin of the premium wines served. The program is being continuously expanded: By the end of 2026, the number of flying wine experts is expected to rise to almost 300, for which further training sessions are already planned for the fall of this year.
The award from Falstaff Publishing is considered an important seal of quality in the industry, as the restaurant guide is based on reviews from a broad community as well as expert opinions. For Austrian Airlines, this award represents confirmation of its long-term strategy to establish high-quality gastronomy and excellent service as core brand attributes. While many international airlines are reducing their service offerings for cost reasons, the Austrian airline is positioning itself as a premium provider in European airspace by combining modern aviation logistics with traditional culinary culture.