Vienna-based Austrian Airlines has quietly re-launched with a new identity.
Besides a new "My" livery, Austrian will sell short-haul tickets under a revised four-tier tariff structure from October.
The carrier's first aircraft to carry the new colours has now taken to the air. Other fleet aircraft will follow in due course.
None of this should come as a surprise to readers as we predicted there would be changes at Austria's national airline last month (see news, February 13).
However, as with other Lufthansa Group members, Austrian is scrapping its current and traditional business/economy class pricing model within Europe.
The four-tier structure, which takes effect in the autumn, will feature business class plus three separate economy tiers branded Light, Classic and Flex. Each tier will have a different service feature.
It is unclear at this stage whether or not the lowest fare, an HBO (hand baggage only) tariff, will come with any onboard food at all. Any catering may be very limited or it may involve passengers having to pay extra.
There will certainly be the option to purchase superior onboard catering that will be a "cut above" the carrier's standard fare. Austrian says it will offer à la carte menus from Do&Co.
Full details of what the tariffs will include will be available in the summer when bookings open for flights taken on and from the end of October.
Alex McWhirter
