Latvian flag carrier increases order for Airbus aircraft
Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has received an order for an additional 10 A220-300 planes from airBaltic, taking its total order for aircraft to 90.
Already operating a strong fleet of close to 50 A220-300s, airBaltic is currently the largest A220 customer in Europe and the largest A220-300 operator in the world.
The Latvian flag carrier has a long standing history operating the Airbus A220-300, having been the launch customer in 2016. Since 2020, the airline has operated an A220-exclusive fleet.
With a firm order for 90 A220-300, airBaltic further reinforces its position as the largest A220 customer in Europe.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said: “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and these exercised options are the next step in the right direction.
“Over the years, this aircraft type has proven its operational capabilities and value – it has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic.
“By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business, said: “We are honored and thankful that airBaltic is placing its fourth follow-up order.
“This latest agreement from Latvia’s flag carrier is a strong endorsement of the superior value and operational opportunities offered by this latest generation aircraft.”
The A220 carries between 120 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km).
As at the end of July, Airbus won more than 900 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which around 350 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with more than 20 operators worldwide on 1,400+ routes.
Airbus employs around 4,500 staff at its wing-making plant at Broughton near Chester, and several thousand people in Filton near Bristol.
