Lauda Europe: Ryanair's Airbus Fleet Based in Vienna

History and positioning

Heir to the Laudamotion brand founded by Niki Lauda and taken over by Ryanair in 2018, Lauda Europe operates from a base in Vienna as the only unit of the Irish group to fly Airbus A320s instead of the parent company's standard Boeing 737s, a choice owed to the acquisition of the former Laudamotion rather than to a strategic decision to diversify the fleet. The Lauda brand, which recalls the name of the three-time Formula 1 world champion, remains an element of commercial recognition distinct from the main Ryanair brand on the Austrian market.

The fleet

The fleet today numbers about 25-26 Airbus A320ceo aircraft, with an average age of over 17 years and lease contracts running until 2028/2029. Ryanair is discussing with Airbus a possible order of A320neos to renew and expand the fleet in the coming years, an option that would mark the group's first direct adoption of Airbus for new-generation aircraft. The high average age of the A320ceo fleet, if the Airbus order Ryanair is discussing did not materialize quickly, could become an increasingly relevant factor in passenger assessments in the coming years.

Routes and network

Lauda Europe mainly serves short-haul European routes to and from Vienna, replicating the point-to-point model typical of the Ryanair group rather than a classic hub structure, with a network that partly overlaps with that of Austrian Airlines on the same European destinations but at generally lower fares. The routes to the main European capitals from Vienna remain largely the same as those of Austrian Airlines, but at generally lower fares for those who do not need the extra services of the full-service carrier.

Fares and baggage

The operating model replicates Ryanair's unbundled low-cost one: base fare without checked baggage, paid seat assignment, paid priority boarding. Calculating the final price including the necessary extras is essential to realistically compare the cost of the trip with a full-service carrier on the same route.

On board and service

On board the A320ceos the service follows the Ryanair model: drinks and snacks for purchase, no meal included in the base fare, and a limited loyalty program compared with that of the competing full-service carriers on the same European routes.

What passengers say

Independent reviews largely reflect the typical Ryanair experience, with some specific comments linked to the age of the A320ceo fleet compared with the newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft used elsewhere in the group. The most critical reviews tend to focus on customer service response times, an area in which the Ryanair group as a whole receives ratings that are not always positive across Europe.

• Very competitive base fares on short-haul European routes.
• Efficient cabin crew, geared to quick procedures.
• Network that overlaps with Austrian Airlines's on many European destinations at lower prices.
• Useful connections on many direct European routes from Vienna at low fares.

• Customer service judged unresponsive in case of a complaint or refund.
• Slightly dated cabin comfort, consistent with the average age of the A320ceo fleet.
• Possible future replacement of the A320 fleet with 737s, if the Airbus order did not materialize.
• No competitive loyalty program compared with the competing full-service carriers on the same routes.

Lauda Europe is worth it for anyone looking for the lowest possible fare on a short-haul route to or from Vienna who travels light, and less so for those who need quick assistance in case of something going wrong. If you fly with checked baggage or want a specific seat, add these extras when you book: they cost noticeably less than adding them at the airport. Since it is the oldest fleet in the Ryanair group, do not expect the cabin comfort of the newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.