The head of AUA, Annette Mann, does not expect any increase in ticket prices in the near future, but in the medium term it is likely that regulatory costs for environmental measures will continue to increase prices in Europe. “The blending quota for sustainable fuels will cost a lot of money, as will European emissions trading, accordingly, I assume that ticket prices will continue to rise,” she said on Saturday in the Ö1 series “Im Journal zu Gast”.
Next year, Mann expects additional costs of 90 million euros due to the combination quota and emissions trading; in contrast, the annual profit for 2023 was only 127 million euros. “In contrast, you can clearly see that we cannot just support this, but of course we have to provide it in the ticket prices if we want to continue as an economically successful company.” Mann provided specific information about possible increases in 2025.
Capabilities are being expanded
The airline does not want to compromise its climate goals despite the production background of aircraft manufacturers, which are an important factor for the green movement. Mann also mentioned the EU-wide requirement to supply two percent of kerosene from non-fossil sources (Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF) from 2025. The AUA is currently working on programs with even higher SAF shares. “Capacities are being expanded,” Mann said, and pressure is being placed on suppliers. The airline aims to be CO2-neutral by 2050.
Regarding possible concerns about the safety of Boeing aircraft at AUA – the airline has ordered 737 aircraft – Mann gave the all clear. “We have our own offices on site (…) where we are heavily involved in quality control from the start.” So there is no reason to worry. In any case, it is still unclear whether 737 aircraft will even be used at AUA, as they have not been allocated yet.
“Very satisfied” with passenger numbers
Mann was “very pleased” with passenger numbers over the summer. In general, despite some problems such as the weak result in the first half of the year, there is good news. Recently it was possible to reactivate several long-haul flights with the AUA Dreamliners, an offer that was very well received. In addition, the minus in the first half of the year was partly due to one-off effects, explained the head of AUA.
