Latvian national carrier airBaltic has seen its fleet expand just a bit more, as they took delivery of their 41st Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The airframe registered YL-ABO was ferried from the Montréal Mirabel Airport (YMX) on April 28, arriving in Riga (RIX) on April 29.
The aircraft has since its delivery entered operations for the company, flying the inter-Baltic routes between Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. The delivery becomes the second one to be completed in April, with YL-ABN, featuring the Latvian flag livery, seen delivered earlier the same month.
A220 number 41
April 29 saw airBaltic, the Latvian national airline, take delivery of their latest Airbus A220-300 aircraft registered YL-ABO. The delivery concludes the second Airbus A220 delivery for airBaltic so far in 2023, with both deliveries having taken place in April. YL-ABN, the first delivery of the year, was seen delivered previously the same month.
Both deliveries act as part of the 50 Airbus A220-300 aircraft airBaltic has a firm order for, and the company holds 30 options and purchase rights for more aircraft if they should decide on ordering more for a further fleet expansion.
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According to airBaltic, the Airbus A220 aircraft has thus far carried approximately 11,260,000 passengers to their respective destinations, and the company has completed over 130,000 flights, passing over 280,000 block hours with the aircraft type. The company started operating fully with the Airbus A220 aircraft in May 2020.
The Airbus A220 has reportedly exceeded the expectations of airBaltic performance-wise, delivering greater overall performance, fuel efficiency and greater convenience for both passengers and crew. The aircraft itself offers enhanced passenger comfort with wider seats, largely sized windows, more space for hand luggage, and overall offers a smooth and comfortable journey.
AviationSource has previously tested out airBaltic’s A220 aircraft on an inter-Baltics flight between Riga and Tallinn, on which you can read our review here.
The first delivery of 2023 – a special one
Earlier this year, in March, airBaltic revealed their 40th Airbus A220 aircraft prior to delivery, which featured quite a spectacular livery. Revealed on airBaltic’s social media accounts, YL-ABN was showcased in the hangar of Montréal Mirabel (YMX), featuring the company’s fourth flag-livery aircraft.
The airframe becomes the second of airBaltic’s aircraft to feature the Latvian flag as its livery, with the second one being YL-CSL, an airframe that was painted to mark the 100th anniversary of Latvia.
When YL-ABN was delivered to the carrier, it became their 5th special, alongside the following –
- YL-CSJ – Carrying an Estonian Flag special livery.
- YL-CSK – Carrying a Lithuanian Flag special livery.
- YL-CSL – Carrying a Latvian Flag special livery.
- YL-AAU – Carrying a 100th Airbus A220 sticker.
On Twitter upon the reveal, airBaltic commented, “We’re happy to reveal a long-awaited milestone – our 40th Airbus aircraft will carry the Latvian flag colors!”
“We’re proud that A220-300 carries Latvia’s name in the world and we’re looking forward to strengthening the bond with our valued partners between Latvia and Canada in the future!”
The aircraft was successfully delivered to airBaltic on April 15, after being ferried direct to Riga from the Montréal Mirabel facilities (YMX).
