airBaltic celebrated a fleet milestone, unveiling its 50th Airbus A220-300 in Mirabel, Canada, alongside Airbus. This special occasion marked the first in-person reveal of the airline’s 50th A220-300, complete with a unique livery.
The unveiling becomes a special moment for both the airline and the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. airBaltic was the original launch operator for the A220-300 narrowbody aircraft.
50th Aircraft Design and Inspiration
The 50th aircraft boasts an artistic representation of the Latvian flag. The distinctive elements symbolize all three Baltic States: Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.
The striking design features a girl soaring through clouds. Her long hair adorned with a traditional wreath, proudly displaying the Latvian flag. The design also incorporates other elements inspired by Baltic heritage and nature, including a ladybug, swallow, and stork.
airBaltic refined the final design sketch to meet the aircraft’s technical requirements. This specially painted A220-300 will join the airBaltic fleet in late February 2025.
Stakeholder Comments
CEO airBaltic
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic gave comment on the airline’s fleet development. “Over eight years ago, we became the launch operator for the Airbus A220-300, which has since become the backbone of our operations.”
“This milestone aircraft completes our initial order and brings us halfway to our goal of doubling in size. We will be operating a single-type fleet of 100 A220-300s by 2030.”
Gauss added, “We are delighted to be here with our long-standing partner Airbus and stakeholders to celebrate this special aircraft.”
“airBaltic continues to lead the Baltic aviation industry. We wanted this livery to reflect the beauty of the three Baltic nations. Every flight will proudly carry a piece of the Baltic spirit.”
CEO Airbus Canada
Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada responded on behalf of the manufacturer. “As the first recipient of the A220-300 eight years ago, airBaltic is a long-standing customer. We are pleased to celebrate their 50th A220. We are honored to continue partnering with airBaltic as they expand their A220 fleet.”
From Contest to Completion
In late 2023, airBaltic launched a global design contest for the 50th A220-300 livery. With 840 entries, over 28,000 airBaltic Club members voted, shortlisting 21 designs. airBaltic acquired the top three designs, all representing national or Baltic heritage. The winning design received over 30% of the votes.
Painting the A220-300 livery took 18 days, using 21 colors.
The Airbus A220 paintshop teams in Mirabel, Canada, used a stencil overlay technique for the first time to layer the colors.
The A220 is the latest state-of-the-art and most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km).
The A220-100, with varying cabin configurations, accommodates 100-120 passengers, while the larger A220-300 perfectly accommodates 120-150 passengers.
The A220 features an innovative cabin design with the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior passenger comfort.
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