Airlines Laudamotion outlines growth plans for 2019

The growth plan sees the low-cost carrier to double its current Airbus fleet from 9 to 18 aircraft. All aircraft will be added to the fleet until Summer 2019, said the airline. Laudamotion hopes to further strengthen its presence in Europe´s low-cost market.

Moreover, Irish carrier Ryanair has officially confirmed the purchase of a 75% shareholding in the Laudamotion GmbH.

Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer, David O’Brien commented: “Ryanair is pleased to complete the purchase of a 75% shareholding in Laudamotion GmbH from Niki Lauda and his team. We applaud the extraordinary work of Niki Lauda, Andreas Gruber and all the Laudamotion team in the face of very difficult market circumstances and unfair competitor activity to deliver this flying programme this summer, which has provided low fares for the first time ever on over 53 routes."

Over the course of the important growth plans announcement, Laudamotion has also presented the new aircraft livery to the public. It reflects Laudamotion´s Austrian heritage and contains the national colours of the country, stated the airline. Instead of the full name Laudamotion, the aircraft will only feature the lettering “Lauda”. Currently, the aircraft are wearing the basic Air Berlin livery with Laudamotion titles.

Laudamotion’s CEO, Andreas Gruber added: “Laudamotion now faces the future with great confidence, backed by the enormous financial strength of Ryanair, our new majority shareholder and Europe’s largest airline. Laudamotion has already achieved load factors over 90% in its first summer season, thanks to the efforts of over 500 Laudamotion colleagues. These 9 additional 2019 Airbus deliveries ensure that Laudamotion will grow again by at least 20% in 2019 to 5m guests p.a. We look forward to offering even more low fare choices to Austrian and German customers.”

The airline has also said, that it will offer more and higher paid jobs for the Vienna offices. A winter roster will allow 5 days on and 3 days off for the crew. Pilots will experience increased payment. Over the last years, low-cost carrier - especially Ryanair - earned heavy criticism for their unfair payment to employees.

Laudamotion is an Austrian-based low-cost carrier. After Air Berlin´s collapse in 2017, Niki Lauda decided to establish a new airline that would profit from freed-up slots and routes. Currently, Laudamotion operates with a fleet of nine Airbus A320 aircraft. Over the Summer schedule, Ryanair wet-leased six Boeing 737-800 to the airline.