Austrian Airlines commences switch from Boeing to Airbus aircraft on medium-haul services

Austrian Airlines commenced its switch from Boeing 737 to A320 aircraft for medium-haul service as it streamlines its fleet as part of its restructuring efforts, according to a reported by aero.at. The carrier has signed a LoI for five A320s and had already taken delivery of a further two of the aircraft type. The completion of the preliminary contracts for two more A320 will take place in the coming weeks. It is expected the first of the new fleet will be in service by mid Oct-2012. The carrier said it is planning to have a fleet of seven A320s in service by summer 2013 and will start withdrawing the 737-800s in parallel. It has already sold four 737s, the carrier said.