Aegean Airlines vs Austrian Airlines

Overview

Aegean Airlines is the flag carrier of Greece and, according to Wikipedia, the country's largest airline by passengers, destinations and fleet. It was founded in January 1995, began scheduled operations in 1999 and is listed on the Athens Exchange (AEGN). Its headquarters are at Spata, near Athens. It has been a Star Alliance member since June 2010 and owns Olympic Air, which it acquired after European Commission approval in 2013; the two brands still operate separately. For 2025 it reported revenue of €1.86 billion and a record 17.3 million passengers (Aviation Outlook).

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Athens and Thessaloniki. Secondary bases include Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kalamata and Larnaca. As of 2026 the airline flies to 133 destinations, excluding charters and Olympic Air flights. The network covers domestic Greek routes, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

Fleet

The fleet is all-Airbus. As of July 2026, Wikipedia lists 70 aircraft in service:

• 24 Airbus A320-200
• 21 Airbus A320neo
• 3 Airbus A321-200
• 22 Airbus A321neo

There are 17 further orders: 11 A321neo and 6 A321LR, with the A321LRs due from 2027 to 2028. The older A320ceo and A321ceo aircraft are to be replaced by A321neos. The airline has also ordered two A321XLR aircraft.

On board

Aircraft have Economy and Business cabins. The A321LR is planned to have a dedicated long-haul cabin with lie-flat business seats. Wi-Fi is fitted to the A320neo family and some A320ceo aircraft, with paid packages and a Free 10-minute option. This profile does not state meal policy or seat pitch, as no sourced figures were found; check the airline's site for the fare booked.

Good to know

• Baggage: Economy passengers may carry one 8 kg cabin bag. Third-party sources, such as Eurosender, say Economy Light and Flex (Saver) fares include no checked bag, which can be bought separately. Rules vary by fare and route, so check before travelling.
• Lounges: Aegean Business Lounges operate in Athens, Thessaloniki and Larnaca. Access is for business class passengers and Miles+Bonus Gold or Star Alliance Gold members, and cannot be bought, according to Head for Points.
• Loyalty: Miles+Bonus is shared with Olympic Air and has Blue, Silver and Gold tiers. Miles can be earned and redeemed across Star Alliance (10xTravel).
• Punctuality: AirAdvisor reports an 84.1% on-time rate for 2023.

Global Network and Operations

Austrian Airlines, the flag carrier of Austria, operates an extensive network connecting Europe with numerous intercontinental destinations. Its primary hub is Vienna International Airport (VIE), facilitating smooth connections across 130 destinations in over 50 countries. The airline's fleet consists of around 80 aircraft including aircraft types such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 767, and the Bombardier Q400, employed both for short-haul European and long-haul intercontinental routes.
• Focus on Central and Eastern Europe with strong presence in Vienna.
• Operates regional subsidiaries like Eurowings Europe on select routes.
• Member of the Star Alliance since 2000, enabling extensive codeshare and alliance benefits.
• Cargo operations complement passenger services, supporting Austria’s logistics needs.

Innovation and Milestones

Austrian Airlines has marked several key milestones in its evolution since its founding in 1957:
• One of the first European carriers to adopt long-range wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 for intercontinental service.
• Pioneered various sustainability initiatives including the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and modernization of its fleet for greater efficiency.
• Invested in digital transformation enhancing customer online services and innovative in-flight entertainment systems.
• Integration into the Lufthansa Group has strengthened its operational backbone and expanded network reach.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Austrian Airlines prioritizes passenger comfort and service quality across all cabin classes. Offering Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, the airline equips long-haul flights with lie-flat seats, modern in-flight entertainment, and regional cuisine emphasizing Austrian specialties. It has been recognized for excellent in-flight catering and attentive cabin crew service. Regular awards from Skytrax and other aviation bodies highlight its commitment to safety, punctuality, and customer satisfaction.

Future Outlook

Austrian Airlines plans to expand its presence in the growing Central and Eastern European markets, focusing on sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. Future strategies include fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft, strengthening digital customer engagement, and broadening its global network. The airline aims to increase operational efficiency while maintaining high standards in passenger experience and eco-friendly aviation practices.