The AUA had to wait many years for the renewal of its long-distance route. Now the first new long-range aircraft, the Dreamliner (OE-LPL), is in the air. The “Krone” was already on board and was able to view the Boeing 787-9 from Vienna to Morocco up close. It was also revealed why, despite numerous allegations against the Boeing manufacturer in the US, people can board AUA planes without hesitation.
The Boeing 787-9 can accommodate a total of 294 passengers and can reach a speed of almost 10,000 km/h. The Dreamliner is currently still on the starting blocks in Schwechat, dressed in white. But why is this Boeing missing the Austrian livery, that is, the red-white-red color scheme?
“Because the paint job had to be decided at a time when there was no collective labor agreement for the flying staff and the growth plans were therefore at risk, it was decided to paint the aircraft white,” explains Lara Maria Petritsch, press spokesperson for Austrian airlines.
“Bird” will fly to New York in the future
The almost 63 meters long and approximately 17 meters high long-range aircraft will depart for New York from June 15.
And there was a lot of practice for this flight: a total of 845 flight attendant training sessions were given in the run-up to the first flight. About 66 Boeing 777 pilots are to be trained on the 787 from February to August.
Fuel savings of approximately 20 percent
The reduction of CO2 emissions is also a central point: “Thanks to improved aerodynamics and more modern engines, the Dreamliner achieves fuel savings of approximately 20 percent compared to previous models,” says Klaus Schludnig, project manager for the 787 fleet. This is therefore an important step towards reducing CO2 emissions from air travel.
In addition to the joy about the two Dreamliners – the second aircraft is expected in mid-June – that have already been integrated into this year’s summer flight schedule, the fleet expansion is overshadowed by serious accusations against Boeing from the US. The manufacturer is accused of an incomplete safety concept and defects in various types of aircraft. However, the AUA spokeswoman does not want to comment on this.
“It is clear that our Boeing fleet is controlled, maintained and inspected beyond legal requirements due to the high safety philosophy of the entire Lufthansa Group,” Petritsch emphasizes.
Detect defects before they occur
“We have many processes in our system that allow us to identify risks and defects at an early stage, before they can occur. “This is the case with all types of aircraft,” Schludnig also assures the “Krone”. The project manager further emphasizes: “It is ensured at all times that the airworthiness of an aircraft is guaranteed.” For one or two globetrotters it can still mean boarding, sitting back and taking off.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
