A220-300 airBaltic wing close upairBaltic has confirmed an incremental order for an additional 10 A220-300s. This fourth re-order 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.
The Latvian flag carrier has a long-standing history operating the Airbus A220-300, having been the launch customer in 2016. Since 2020, the airline has operated an A220-exclusive fleet. With a firm order for 90 A220-300, airBaltic further reinforces its position as the largest A220 customer in Europe.
Martin Gauss, president and CEO of airBaltic, said: “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and 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. By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus executive vice president of sales (commercial aircraft) business, said: “We are honoured 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 aeroplane.
“The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a spacious cabin driving the best Net Promoter Scores with passengers wherever it is operated, and the range capability to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s current network and beyond.”
The A220 is the most modern aircraft in its class, carrying between 120 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles — it has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort.
Combining ‘state of the art’ aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines, the A220 brings customers a 50% reduced noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft and around 40% lower NO
x emissions than industry standards. The aircraft also offers 25% lower fuel burn and CO
2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft and is already able to operate with up to 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
As at the end of July, Airbus won more than 900 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which around 350 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with more than 20 operators worldwide on 1,400-plus routes.