Croatia Airlines (OU/CTN) has announced it has signed a deal for six brand new Airbus A220 airliners to enhance its regional and international network needs. They also plan to lease a further nine A220s taking the total A220 commitment to 15.
The new aircraft will replace the ageing Airbus A319 aircraft and offer reduced operating costs and much-improved environmental efficiency.
Jasmin Bajić, CEO and President of the Management Board of Croatia Airlines said the order marked “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,”
Beginning life as the Bombardier C Series, the Airbus A220 has proven popular with airliners for short-haul flights as it’s the only purpose-built airliner for the 100-150 seat market.
“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,” said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
Over 230 Airbus A220s have been delivered to date operating with 16 airlines across four continents and orders for the type exceed 780.