An Austrian Airlines A320, with the registration OE-LBO, has departed Zurich featuring a retro look.

The livery originates from the 1980s, when Austrian Airlines re-enter the intercontinental flight business after a long hiatus.

Core elements of the aircraft design are the angular chevron, its grey aircraft belly and the traditional red-white-red flag on the tailfin of the aircraft.

The retro look is a tribute to New York and Tokyo.

New York has been part of the flight network of Austria’s red-white-red flag carrier for 50 years (except for a break in the 1970s), whereas Austrian’s flight service to Tokyo is celebrating its 30th anniversary (also with some interruptions).

In 1989, two Airbus A310 aircraft, named New York and Tokyo, became part of the Austrian Airlines’ fleet in order to commemorate the anniversary of the two destinations.

Today, New York and Tokyo are among Austrian Airlines’ most successful long-haul destinations. 

A full nine days were required in the livery painting hangar in Bratislava until the aircraft was able to reveal its retro design.

The plane is expected to land in Vienna this evening at about 22:30 local time.

For spotters, it is important to note that the aircraft will be prominently placed at parking position F04 at Vienna Airport.

More Information

See a series of shots from the repainting and departure here.