2008-01-21
Exploring the highly promising markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) beyond the Baltic Region, is on the agenda of an increasing number of Swedish businesses.
As the new General Manager of Austrian Airlines in Sweden, it is my aim to position our company as a true business partner, especially for small and medium sized companies, by providing simple, tailor-made and high-quality transport-service-solutions to the most remote business locations that gradually move towards the economic center of our continent. Let me give you a quick insight.
History matters
Since the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria has been at the heart of Central Europe also economically speaking. These historic relationships have not ceased to exist during the Continent’s arguably darkest days in history – the two World Wars followed by the Cold War. People have maintained bridges of friendship and intercultural understanding that are the basis of today’s economic ties to the mutual benefits of the region’s nations and inhabitants. Austria is today the largest investor in more than six countries, namely on the Balkans.
Austrian Airlines in CEE
Based on these facts, Austrian Airlines has - ever since its foundation 50 years ago - developed the most tightly knit network of destinations in the region, enabling people to maintain the human relationships that are so vital for business success. As of April 2008 we will serve 47 destinations in 24 countries in CEE. Our network, together with the fast and simple connections at our modern airport hub Vienna and our reward-winning on-board services constitute the value added proposition to our customers.
A Swedish business case
A medium sized tool manufacturer from Gothenburg needs to renegotiate contract terms with its supplier in Kharkov (Eastern Ukraine), before clearing legal issues with its lawyer in Kiev. We serve all these destinations directly via our hub Vienna and offer excellent connections, saving valuable time and thereby money. Wherever possible, our local staff will provide knowhow and help, to make out of a necessity a pleasant experience.
My goals and contribution
It is my aim to build on a well-known, historic brand in the European airline business and on the excellent work of my predecessors, in close cooperation with our airline partners SAS and Star Alliance, to strengthen Austrian Airlines’ position as the travel solution to CEE in Sweden.
Having lived and worked in seven very diverse countries, from developing economies to the strongest trade partners of CEE, I am highly aware of the difficulties one might encounter when establishing oneself or doing business abroad.
It is my goal to pass this experience on to my team, to help understand even better the needs of Swedish business customers going east, offering solutions for a simple but essential first step: smooth and value-for-money travel, to meet the people and build up the relationships for successful and sustainable business partnerships.
Johannes Walter, 29, born in Vienna, holds a degree in Export Management and has lived in Austria, the UK, Russia, Syria, Germany, Italy and France. He has worked in the latter four countries in various functions for Austrian Airlines before becoming General Manager in Sweden as of 1st of December 2007. Johannes speaks five languages fluently and is now struggling to learn Swedish.
