The largest operator of the A220-300 in the world, airBaltic will reinforce its fleet with another 30 aircraft of the model, Airbus announced at the Dubai Airshow.
Currently, the Latvian airline has 44 jets in its fleet, the first of which was received in 2016, as a launch customer for the largest version of the family – at the time the aircraft was still called CS 300 and was manufactured by Bombardier.
Founded in 1995, airBaltic has operated several aircraft, from Boeing 737 and 757 to Airbus A319 and A320, including models such as the BAe 146-200 and Avro RJ70 and the Saab 340, Fokker 50 and Dash 8-400 turboprops.
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But it was with the A220-300 that the airline managed to establish a more adequate and successful service, which is today its only type of aircraft.
“This day marks a significant milestone in the history of airBaltic – our plans for the first time ever to operate a fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. For almost seven years already, the Airbus A220-300 has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic”, said Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic.
airBaltic has also included 20 other A220-300s as purchase options, which would take the fleet to 94 jets if exercised.
“The A220 has been the instrument for airBaltic in its success and growth thus far and we are particularly proud to be extending this partnership well into the future with this latest order”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
The A220 was taken over by Airbus in 2018 and has since accumulated more than 820 firm orders, not counting the agreement with airBaltic.
The A220-300 version is by far the most popular, with capacity for up to 150 passengers and a range that can reach 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km). The aircraft can offer 25% lower fuel consumption than similar previous generation models.
