Airbus A220 Delivery Delay for Croatia Airlines Croatia Airlines has announced that it will not take delivery of its first Airbus A220 until July 2024, a delay from its previously expected delivery date. The airline had originally planned to receive the A220 in late 2023 as part of its fleet modernization efforts. However, due to “unforeseen circumstances” related to supply chain disruptions and production delays, the delivery has been rescheduled. Croatia Airlines has a firm order for six A220-300 aircraft, which will replace its aging fleet of Bombardier Q400 turboprops. The A220 is expected to provide improved efficiency, range, and flexibility to the airline’s operations. The airline expressed its disappointment with the delay but emphasized that it remains committed to its strategy of upgrading its fleet with the A220. The A220 is seen as a significant investment in the future of Croatia Airlines and will enable the carrier to enhance its competitiveness in the regional aviation market. Croatia Airlines expects to take delivery of two A220 aircraft in 2024 and the remaining four in 2025. The airline is confident that the A220 will play a crucial role in its growth and expansion plans. The delay in A220 delivery is not an isolated case. Several airlines worldwide have experienced similar issues due to the ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry. Airbus has acknowledged the impact of production and supply chain disruptions on its delivery schedules and has been working closely with customers to minimize the consequences.Croatia Airlines to Receive First Airbus A220-149 in July
Croatia Airlines to Receive First Airbus A220-149 in July Croatia Airlines is set to take delivery of its first 220-seat Airbus A300-149 aircraft in July. Originally scheduled for an arrival in the first quarter of the year, the aircraft will now grace Zagreb skies next month. “Zagreb” Takes Flight The new aircraft, aptly named “Zagreb,” will sport a refreshed color scheme. Upon completing necessary bureaucratic procedures, it is expected to commence operations on the Zagreb-Frankfurt route shortly after its delivery. This move commemorates Croatia Airlines’ inaugural international flight in 1992. A220 Fleet Expansion Croatian State Secretary for Infrastructure Tomislav Mihotić recently visited the aircraft’s production facility in Canada. He confirmed that the aircraft is currently undergoing painting and will soon be equipped with additional amenities, including WiFi access. Croatia Airlines plans to acquire a total of 12 A220-300 and 3 A220-100 aircraft under a 12-year lease agreement, with options to extend or return the aircraft at its discretion. The second A220-300, expected later this year, will bear the name “Split.” By 2027, the airline aims to operate a fleet comprised exclusively of this aircraft type. Fleet Shortfall and Wet Leasing Due to a fleet shortage, Croatia Airlines has been forced to reduce frequencies on certain routes. To compensate, the airline has acquired three aircraft under wet lease agreements: an A320 from Trade Air, an A319 from Fly41 Airways, and a Boeing 737-800 from Albastar. Additionally, a short-term wet lease agreement has been secured for a 15-year-old A320 from Malta MedAir.
Croatia Airlines will not take delivery of its first Airbus A220 until July 2024, the carrier has confirmed. The Croatian flag carrier had originally planned to take delivery of the aircraft in 2020, but the delivery was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Croatia Airlines has now confirmed that it expects to take delivery of the first of six A220s in July 2024, with the remaining five aircraft to be delivered by the end of 2026. The A220s will replace the airline’s ageing fleet of Bombardier Q400s and Airbus A319s. Croatia Airlines expects the A220s to offer improved fuel efficiency and operating costs, as well as a more comfortable passenger experience.
