Austrian Airlines Special New Year's Eve Flights

Austrian Airlines' two special flights, in action over Vienna during New Year's eve

The New Year concert by the Vienna's philarmonic orchestra is one of the traditions of every first of January.

But this is not the only amazing New Year tradition you can enjoy in Vienna nowadays!

Aviation enthusiasts can have their own New Year treat thanks to Austrian Airlines, that already for eight years in a row has been scheduling two special sightseeing flights over Vienna on on New Year's eve.

The panoramic flights, aptly named OS 2016 and OS 2017 and operated by Embraer E195 aircraft, departed Vienna international airport at 22.50 and 22.55 and landed when it was already the new year, at 00.30 and 00.35 repectively (note that this schedule still elaves plenty of time for revelers to continue the New Year celebrations elsewhere on the ground!).

During this time, the two aircraft circle the city of Vienna, making circles in the sky. One of the highlights is watching Vienna's New Year's fireworks from the sky.

An E195 like the ones that overflew Vienna last New Year's Eve

Austrian Airlines offers two fares for its New Year's Eve flights, depending on whether is an aisle (starting at €129) or a window seat (starting at €149), something normal, given that it is a sightseeing flight (conveniently Austrian's E195s have a 2-2 configuration). All seats are, therefore assigned upon reservation. 

Due to the big interest in these special new year flights, that can be booked on Austrian Airline's website, a second aircraft was pushed into service this year.  

Would be nice to see this Viennese tradition consolidate to rival its first of January musical counterpart!