airBaltic has confirmed an incremental order for the uptake of an additional 10 Airbus A220-300 single aisle aircraft. This new and fourth reorder will take the airline’s total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft.
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.
Purchase of 10 Additional A220 Aircraft
This latest agreement announced today adds 10 more A220-300s to the airline’s portfolio. This now propels its total firm order to an impressive 90 aircraft.
The decision not only reinforces airBaltic’s position as the largest A220 customer in Europe but also cements its status as the world’s leading A220-300 operator.
Founded in 1995, airBaltic has rapidly evolved to become the flag carrier of Latvia and a major player in the Baltic aviation market. The airline’s journey with the A220-300 began in 2016 when it became the launch customer for this innovative aircraft type.
Since then, airBaltic has demonstrated unwavering confidence in the A220 program, transitioning to an all-A220 fleet in 2020 – a bold move that has paid dividends in operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Currently operating a robust fleet of nearly 50 A220-300s, airBaltic has leveraged the aircraft’s capabilities to expand its network and enhance its service quality.
The A220-300’s combination of fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility has proven to be a perfect fit for airBaltic’s business model, allowing the airline to serve both short-haul and medium-haul routes with equal proficiency.
airBaltic CEO Comments
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, gave comment on the latest development. “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft. 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.”
The A220-300’s impressive specifications have been a key factor in airBaltic’s decision to expand its fleet.
The aircraft is capable of seating between 120 to 150 passengers. It boasts a range of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). Overall, the A220-300 offers the flexibility needed to serve airBaltic’s diverse route network.
The aircraft’s spacious cabin, featuring the largest seats and windows in its class, has contributed to superior passenger comfort and satisfaction scores.
Beyond passenger experience, the A220-300 aligns perfectly with airBaltic’s commitment to sustainability. The aircraft delivers a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft. Additionally, it offers approximately 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. Moreover, it offers a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat. This makes it an environmentally responsible choice for the airline.
Airbus Responds
Airbus Executive Vice President Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighted the significance of airBaltic’s continued trust in the A220 program.
“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.”
Airbus has set an ambitious goal for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with 100% SAF by 2030. This further enhances the A220’s long-term value proposition for airlines like airBaltic.
The success of the A220 program extends beyond airBaltic, with Airbus securing over 900 orders from approximately 30 customers worldwide.
Of these, around 350 aircraft have been delivered and are currently in service. They are currently operated by more than 20 operators across 1,400+ routes.
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