Three Boeing 767-300ERs are currently in service with Austrian Airlines. Certain economy seats have been replaced with premium economy sections in recent changes. As a result, the airline has a surplus of economy seats in blocks of two and three, which it plans to auction for charity.
Austrian Airlines disclosed the details of its planned auction in a statement released this morning by the Vienna-based Star Alliance member. More than 170 trolleys will be offered for purchase in addition to the aforementioned blocks of seats from the Boeing 767-300ER's 2-3-2 configuration economy class cabin. It will be held in collaboration with AURENA, a Niklasdorf-based auction house.
Online bidding is presently available for interested buyers. For anyone interested in seeing what's on offer, a viewing afternoon will be held in Niklasdorf on May 18th, with acceptance taking place three days later. On May 24th, winning bidders will be able to pick up their belongings from AURENA's facilities.
Austrian is utilising the auction to help collect money for those affected by the current situation in Ukraine, in addition to rehoming its old seats and trolleys to the winning buyers. It has joined with a charity called Nachbar in Not ('Neighbor in Need') and will give all auction earnings to this Non-Governmental Organization, along with AURENA.