Latvian airline airBaltic has announced a fourth order for an additional 10 A220-300s, totalling its firm order at 90 aircraft.
airBaltic has a strong connection with Airbus and the A220. It was the launch customer in 2016 and became an A220-exclusive fleet in 2020. The airline now operates a fleet of nearly 50 A220-300s and is the largest operator of the aircraft in the world.
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.”
The A220 can carry 120 to 150 passengers, fly up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km), and is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine. It provides benefits such as a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards, and 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous configurations.
Gauss added: “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.”
“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,” commented Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
“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.”
Airbus announced in July that it had secured over 900 orders for the A220, 350 of which have already been delivered. The aircraft is in service with over 20 operators worldwide. Airbus also aims to have all its aircraft capable of operating with 100% Sustainable Air Fuel (SAF) by 2030, with the A220 currently capable of operating with up to 50% SAF.
Photo: airBaltic/Airbus
