In May 2004, Emirates touched down in Vienna for the very first time. Just a month later, the airline established a daily service, making it a familiar sight in Austrian skies ever since.
This year marks Emirates’ 20th anniversary in Vienna, and their commitment to the Austrian market continues to grow.
Under the leadership of Martin Gross who retired in 2022, Emirates saw early success in Austria.
The high demand for the Vienna-Dubai route led to the introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER, the largest passenger aircraft at the time, within just four years.
Today, Emirates offers 14 weekly non-stop flights, connecting Austrian travelers seamlessly to Dubai and beyond to over 140 destinations.
More than 5 million passengers have flown with Emirates between Vienna and Dubai on over 20,500 flights.
Celebrating the Anniversary with Austrian Flair
Emirates marked their 20th anniversary with a special touch of Austrian tradition. The anniversary flight was welcomed at Vienna International Airport.
A performance from the renowned Svabek dance school, known for their appearances at the Vienna Opera Ball, took place. Five couples performed a classic Viennese waltz to the sounds of “Rosen aus dem Süden” by Johann Strauss.
Emirates also expressed their gratitude to their loyal Emirates Skywards members who flew with them in May.
A special giveaway offered 20 Tier Upgrades, automatically increasing membership status for lucky winners.
The Unforgettable A380 Arrival
In 2014, for the 10th anniversary, the Emirates A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, made its first regular landing in Vienna.
The honor of piloting this historic flight fell to Captain Markus Ausserhofer, who now holds the position of Manager Compliance Monitoring Flight Operations at Emirates.
“The landing in Vienna was an unforgettable moment,” Captain Ausserhofer recalls. “The cheering crowds are something I’ll never forget.”
“It felt like everyone at the airport was there for my arrival. As an Austrian and an A380 pilot, I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of that event.”
Just two years later, the A380 became a regular fixture on the Vienna route, setting new standards for commercial flights at Vienna Airport.
Today, Emirates offers passengers a choice between the A380 and the Boeing 777-300ER, providing over 1,000 daily seats to connect Vienna to destinations worldwide.
A Longstanding Partnership
Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, values the strong partnership: “Emirates has brought a breath of fresh air to Austria.”
“Their commitment to using the A380, the only one of its kind in Vienna, is a milestone for our airport and a highlight for passengers.”
“Their dedication to first-class service aligns perfectly with our own high standards. Congratulations, and here’s to many more years of successful cooperation!”
Emirates SkyCargo: Soaring High in Freight
Since 2004, Emirates SkyCargo has also been a key player, transporting freight to and from Vienna in the cargo hold of their passenger aircraft.
A total of around 250,000 tonnes of freight have been transported on the Vienna route. Exports from Austria primarily consisting of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and crystal goods. These products are typically destined for markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Today, Emirates SkyCargo transports 31 tonnes of freight daily between Vienna and Dubai, connecting it to destinations worldwide.
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