Croatia Airlines is set to receive the first of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft in June 2024, according to State Secretary Tomislav Mihotić.
Croatia Airlines, established in 1991, began with no planes and poor economic prospects. In 1991, it leased a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 and acquired three Boeing 737s from Lufthansa. As the flag carrier of Croatia, it launched its first international service in 1992, from Zagreb to Frankfurt.
Now, the airline’s CEO, Jasmin Bajić, visited Bombardier’s factory in Canada to discuss delivery schedules with Airbus representatives. The first two aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2022, but the company now expects the first delivery in the second half of 2023. The long-term leasing contract between Croatia Airlines and Airbus was signed in November 2022. The fleet will consist of 12 A220-300 aircraft with 149 seats and three A220-100 aircraft with 127 seats. Croatia Airlines has also contracted the purchase of 33 aircraft engines and pilot training, which has already begun. All aircraft will be financed through long-term operational leasing, with Croatia Airlines not being their owner.