Miami International Airport welcomed Austrian Airlines on 16 October, marking the start of its first-ever scheduled bellyhold service between Miami and Vienna.

The inaugural flight was greeted to Miami with a water canon salute, ribbon cutting ceremony and an aircraft tour led by Austrian Airlines chief commercial officer, Andreas Otto.

The Austrian flag carrier is operating a five times a week service using a fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft and it is the airline’s fifth American route.

Miami-Dade aviation director, Emilio T. González, says: “MIA is thrilled to welcome Austrian Airlines to Miami and we’re excited to offer our customers another appealing travel option to Europe.

“The new Miami-Vienna service is in keeping with our strategic overseas growth plans and, equally important, it will support local jobs and the local economy here at home.”