MIAMI – Austrian Airlines (OS) reported today a passenger decline of 84% in the first quarter of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. Revenue at the Austrian flag carrier consequently fell by 79%, down to 61 million euros compared to 287 million euros earned in the first quarter last year. The ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and the resulting travel restrictions in Austria and across the globe, are largely to blame for this downturn. Despite these bleak numbers, executives at Austrian are cautiously optimistic about the near future. “Everyone is looking forward to summer,” the airline said in today’s press release. An Austrian Airlines Airbus A321-211 comes in for a landing. PC: Alberto Cucini/Airways