Airbus wins new A220-300 order from Croatia Airlines
Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has announced a firm order for six of its A220-300 aircraft from Croatia Airlines.
The national flag carrier, based in Zagreb, also plans to lease an additional nine A220s, taking its total commitment for the type to 15.
Airbus makes wings for all its commercial aircraft at its Broughton plant, near Chester, which employs around 5,000 staff.
The A220s will replace previous generation aircraft in Croatia Airlines’ fleet, reducing operating costs as well as improving environmental efficiency and competitiveness.
Jasmin Bajić, CEO and president of the management board of Croatia Airlines, said: “Today’s signing of a contract for the purchase of state-of-the-art Airbus aircraft is a very special moment for all of us at Croatia Airlines. It marks the beginning of a new period of aviation, a new period in the life of Croatia Airlines, a new period for our passengers, and a new period for Croatia’s tourism and economy as a whole.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus chief commercial officer and head of international, responded: “We are thrilled to add Croatia Airlines as a new A220 customer.
“The A220 is ideally suited to Croatia’s aviation needs, providing operational flexibility and efficiency allowing its airline to pursue its ambition for both regional and international connectivity without compromising on any aspect, be it passenger comfort or trip and seat cost economics.”
The A220 is a clean sheet design and the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100- to 150-seat market segment bringing together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest generation GTF engines.
The A220 delivers a 50% reduced noise footprint, up to 25% lower fuel burn per seat and CO2 emissions – compared with previous generation aircraft, as well as around 50% lower NOx emissions than industry standards.
Airbus and Croatia airlines have had a long standing partnership starting 25 years ago, when the airline first became an Airbus operator. Today, the Croatian carrier operates an Airbus fleet of seven single-aisle aircraft from the A320 Family – five A319s and two A320s.
With currently more than 230 A220s delivered to 16 airlines operating on four continents, the A220 is the optimal aircraft for regional, as well as long-distance, routes and will enable Croatia Airlines to further contribute to the development of tourism in the region, while providing flexibility to right-size their operations.
To date, more than 70 million passengers have enjoyed the A220. The fleet is currently flying on more than 800 routes and 325 destinations worldwide. As of the end of October 2022, around 30 customers have ordered 780+ A220 aircraft – confirming its breakthrough on the small single-aisle market.
