Despite the fact that demand in aviation is currently very low and the DHC Dash 8-400 machine type at Austrian Airlines is the only model on many routes that can be operated reasonably economically, the phasing out continues.
A few weeks ago, the company told Aviation Direct that it would stick to the original plan and that it would part with all remaining turboprop aircraft by spring. Among other things, it is said that larger jets could supposedly be operated in a more environmentally friendly way.
In industry circles, the behavior of Austrian Airlines is met with incomprehension, because the operating costs of the much larger Embraer 195 model are considerably higher. In view of the sometimes extremely weak booking and occupancy rates, an enormous number of seats are currently empty. This also means that Austrian Airlines is increasingly using the Dash 8-400 on classic jet routes such as Frankfurt am Main or Berlin. However, one still wants to get rid of the turboprops.
In order to manifest this, the next Dash 8-400 is leaving the fleet with the OE-LGA. This will be transferred to Zagreb and, according to the company, should be handed over to a buyer there. As of December 2, 2020, the following DHC Dash 8-400s are entered on Austrian Airlines on the aircraft register maintained by Austro Control:
- OE LGA
- OE-LGH
- OE LGI
- OE-LGJ
- OE LGK
- OE-LGL
- OE LGM
- OE LGN
- OE LGO
- OE LGQ