Croatia Airlines has placed a firm order of six A220s to help modernise its fleet. The deliveries are expected to be completed by 2026 firming up Croatia’s plan to operate a single fleet. Currently, Croatia Airlines has a fleet of six Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, five A319s, and a single A320.
Croatia Airlines’ fleet renewal plan dates back to 2008 when the airline placed an order for A319s. Seven years later, the airline converted this order to A320neo aircraft. However, the airline never took delivery since the capacity was considered to be too large for the domestic market. Although the financial details of the current transaction are unavailable, sources say that Croatia Airlines has deposited over €8 million for the previous order.
Slaven Žabo, Chief Commercial Officer, Croatia Airlines, said: “This is an aircraft that has been designed today for the next thirty years, which is something we need. These are narrowbody jets that delight with their comfort, and I think they would perfectly fit within Croatia Airlines fleet.”
Claude Debaquenne, Head of Single-Aisle Market Development, Airbus, said: “The A220 would allow Croatia Airlines to launch a number of new routes, with its range enabling the carrier to cover all of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.”