Airlines

airBaltic orders 10 more A220-300s, expanding fleet  

airBaltic orders 10 more A220-300s, expanding fleet
As of the end of July, Airbus has received over 900 A220 orders from around 30 customers, with approximately 350 delivered.

airBaltic expands the A220 fleet with 10 more orders, reinforcing its status as top A220-300 operator worldwide.

airBaltic has confirmed an incremental order for an additional 10 A220-300 aircraft. This new order is the airline’s fourth, bringing its total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft. Currently, airBaltic operates nearly 50 A220-300s. Consequently, it is the largest A220 customer in Europe and the largest A220-300 operator globally. Having been the launch customer in 2016, the Latvian flag carrier has a long history with the Airbus A220-300. Since 2020, the airline has operated an exclusive fleet of A220s. By placing a firm order for 90 A220-300 aircraft, airBaltic further strengthens its status 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.”

The A220 is the most advanced airliner in its class, accommodating 120 to 150 passengers. It can operate on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). Additionally, it features the largest cabin, seats, and windows in its category, providing superior comfort.

With its advanced aerodynamics, cutting-edge materials, and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF engines, the A220 delivers significant environmental benefits. Specifically, it reduces noise by 50% compared to previous-generation aircraft. Moreover, it achieves around 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. The aircraft also provides a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat. In addition, the A220 can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus has set a goal for all its aircraft to operate with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business, said, “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. 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.”

By the end of July, Airbus had received over 900 orders for the A220 from around 30 customers. To date, approximately 350 of these aircraft have been delivered. Furthermore, the A220 is successfully in service with more than 20 operators worldwide. It is currently used on over 1,400 routes globally.

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Q. – How many additional A220-300 aircraft has airBaltic ordered?
A. – 10

Q. – What is airBaltic’s total firm order for A220 aircraft?
A. – 90