Austrian Airlines is auctioning off Economy Class airplane seats from its Boeing 767 fleet and 170 flight trolleys and donating the proceeds to the nonprofit Nachbar in Not (Neighbor in Need) to support people in Ukraine.
The seats saw service on transatlantic flights and were removed to make way for Premium Economy Class seats. The starting price for the double and triple rows varies between $250 and $380.
Austrian Airlines says that, like the seats, the drink trolleys (starting auction price $52) have “seen the world” and are now waiting for new purposes as, perhaps, “a nice piece of furniture, home bar trolleys, or sturdy toolboxes.”
“As the red-white-red flag-carrier, which has been connecting Austria with Europe and the world for more than 60 years, we are very pleased to share a piece of aviation history – and thereby help people in need,” said Austrian Airlines CCO Michael Trestl in a statement. “With this charity project, we want to make at least a small contribution to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”
Bidding open now
Bidding on the auction items is open now, with the final acceptance of bids (notification to bid ‘winners’) on May 21.
You can see the seats and drink trolleys being auctioned online or in-person in Austria, where you’ll also need to go to pick your auction items.
“We thank Austrian Airlines and AURENA [the auction house} for this charitable project for the benefit of Nachbar in Not,” said Martina Schloffer, Dep. Head of International Cooperation at Austrian Red Cross. “Millions of people are currently suffering and depend on humanitarian aid. The donations will allow us to
facilitate needs-based assistance, like water, food supplies, hygiene products or medicines.”
