On February 1, 2025, Michael Trestl, the previous CCO of Austrian Airlines, will assume responsibility for the overall integration of the Italian airline ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group. This decision marks a significant step in the further development of the Group, after Trestl made a significant contribution to the success and stabilization of Austrian Airlines after the Corona pandemic over the past four years. The Lower Austrian native is leaving the Executive Board of Austrian Airlines in the wake of this new challenge.
Michael Trestl joined the Executive Board of Austrian Airlines in 2021 as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and has played a crucial role in rebuilding the airline after the severe impact of the Corona pandemic. Under his leadership, Austrian Airlines was not only able to restore its economic stability, but also steadily expand its route network and respond to the changing needs of travelers. Particularly noteworthy is the airline's successful restart after the pandemic measures and the improvement of the guest experience, which has led to a stronger market positioning.
In recent years, as CCO, Trestl has not only optimized Austrian Airlines' commercial activities, but has also played a key role in modernizing the airline's brand image. Strategic adjustments and a reorientation have enabled the brand to appeal to a younger and broader audience, which was also of crucial importance in the dynamic competitive environment of the aviation market. These comprehensive measures contributed to the positive economic development of the airline, which is now back on a solid growth path.
"On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Michael Trestl very much for his passionate commitment and appreciative cooperation. Together with his two colleagues on the Executive Board, he quickly put Austrian Airlines back on solid economic footing after the pandemic and started the successful growth course," explained Till Streichert, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Austrian Airlines and Chief Financial Officer of the Lufthansa Group. "I am delighted that we have been able to win Michael Trestl for this demanding role in the Group and wish him every success in his new challenge," added Streichert.
The transition and the new responsibilities
With Trestl's move to the Lufthansa Group as ITA Implementation Officer, he will play a key role in the integration of ITA Airways into the Group. This task is of strategic importance for the Lufthansa Group, as ITA Airways, as a subsidiary, is to occupy a central position in the aviation market. The integration will be a demanding challenge not only operationally, but also culturally and structurally. Trestl will be responsible for leveraging the synergies between ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group and ensuring a smooth transition that both strengthens the Italian market and advances the Group's international goals.
The Supervisory Board of Austrian Airlines has already decided that the airline's executive board agendas will be shared by CEO Annette Mann and COO Francesco Sciortino in the future. The division of responsibilities was seen as optimal to ensure the long-term success of Austrian Airlines. Especially with a view to the airline's upcoming 70th birthday in 2027, the aim of the two executive boards is to get the airline in "best shape". A focus will be placed on investments in customer service, fleet renewal and the consistent further development of the route network. The vision for the next few years is to both increase customer satisfaction and to ensure the long-term economic success of Austrian Airlines.
Outlook and expectations
The upcoming 70th anniversary of Austrian Airlines represents an important milestone. For the airline, this not only means a look back at past successes, but also an opportunity to reposition itself for the coming decades. The continuous development of the network, the expansion of services and the modernization of the fleet are just some of the measures that are intended to pave the way for a successful future.
Trestl's departure from the Executive Board of Austrian Airlines and his new role at the Lufthansa Group sheds light on the dynamic change that the aviation industry will experience in the coming years. The integration of ITA Airways into the Group represents one of the key strategic challenges for the Lufthansa Group and could have far-reaching effects on the European aviation market. Trestl will play a central role in this and contribute his extensive experience in the field of airline integration and optimization.