August 13, 2024 – airBaltic announced an incremental order for 10 additional Airbus A220-300 aircraft, bringing the airline’s total firm order to 90 A220s. As the largest A220-300 operator globally and the leading A220 customer in Europe, this new order solidifies airBaltic’s commitment to its A220-exclusive fleet and its ongoing expansion plans.
Strengthening the Fleet:
Since becoming the launch customer for the A220-300 in 2016, airBaltic has steadily increased its reliance on this advanced aircraft. By 2020, the Latvian flag carrier transitioned to an all-A220 fleet, underscoring the aircraft’s operational effectiveness and the airline’s confidence in its capabilities. With this latest order, airBaltic is on track to operate close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, a historic milestone for the company.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, emphasized the significance of this order: “This is a landmark moment for airBaltic as we move towards a fleet of nearly 100 A220-300s. The A220 has been the cornerstone of our operations, contributing significantly to our international success. By expanding our fleet, we continue to demonstrate our strong support for the A220 Programme and look forward to the growth opportunities it will bring.”
Endorsement from Airbus:
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, expressed gratitude for airBaltic’s continued trust in the A220: “We are honored by this fourth follow-up order from airBaltic. This commitment from Latvia’s national carrier underscores the exceptional value and operational flexibility that the A220 offers. It is the most efficient aircraft in its category, providing unmatched passenger comfort and the range to serve destinations across and beyond airBaltic’s network.”
The A220 Advantage:
The Airbus A220 is designed to carry between 120 to 150 passengers on routes up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). It features the most spacious cabin, seats, and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort for passengers. The aircraft’s cutting-edge design, advanced materials, and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines deliver a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to previous models and about 40% lower NOx emissions than industry standards. The A220 also boasts a 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to older aircraft.
Additionally, the A220 is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with Airbus’s goal to achieve 100% SAF compatibility across all its aircraft by 2030.
Market Impact:
As of the end of July, Airbus has secured over 900 orders for the A220 from around 30 customers, with approximately 350 aircraft already delivered. The A220 is currently in service with more than 20 operators worldwide, flying over 1,400 routes. This latest order from airBaltic further reinforces the A220’s position as a leading aircraft in the regional and short-to-medium-haul market.