As China eases its Covid policy foreign airlines are returning to the country with more and more flights. One of the airports getting most of the attention is Pu Dong Shanghai international airport. Just last week we saw another European carrier return to this particular airport, SAS. Although Austrian Airlines already operated flights to this airport there will be change in operations in the coming month of January 2023.
How Will The Austrian Airlines Shanghai Flight Change?
As of December 16th, Austrian Airlines operates a single weekly connection to Shanghai. This will remain this way until the 16th of January when the Lufthansa Group Airline will double both frequency and capacity.
The once weekly flight will become a double weekly connection between Vienna (VIE) and Shanghai (PVG). The estimated flight time for this sector is just over 11 hours on the outbound flight and just under 13 on the return sector.
| Flight | From | To | Departs | Arrives | AC | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS75 | Vienna (VIE) | Shanghai (PVG) | 23:30 | 17:45+1 | B772 | Mon, Fri |
| OS76 | Shanghai (PVG) | Vienna (VIE) | 00:05 | 05:50 | B772 | Mon |
| OS76 | Shanghai (PVG) | Vienna (VIE) | 23:00 | 04:45+1 | B772 | Wed |
The increase of frequency and capacity of flight OS75 comes as a direct result of the shortening of mandatory quarantine times in mainland China.
Adding to The Lufthansa Group Capacity
This power up to the Austrian flights to Shanghai further strengthens the presence of the Lufthansa group at this strategic hub. Although Austrian will only operate 2 flights per week this adds to the services that both Lufthansa and Swiss offer to the same destination.
This means that Lufthansa group passengers will have significantly more flexibility when booking flights to Shanghai. Especially if they are also willing to put up with a connection.
OS Places Its Largest Plane on The Route
As far as long range operations go, Austrian Airlines doesn’t have much selection in terms of aircraft to use. The Austrian flag carrier only has 9 long range capable planes in fleet (6 777-200ER and 3 767-300ER).
OS75 Vienna-Shanghai sector however will be served by the larger, newer of the two aircrafts. Austrian will fly one of its 6 777-200ER to the Chinese megalopolis.
These Boeing 777-200ER are configured in a 3 class layout featuring:
- 38 Business Class Seats
- 24 Premium Economy seats
- 244 Economy Class Seats
