airBaltic has confirmed an incremental order for an additional 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, marking its fourth reorder and bringing the airline’s total firm order to 90 A220 aircraft. With nearly 50 A220-300s currently in operation, airBaltic is both the largest A220 customer in Europe and the world’s leading operator of the A220-300 model.
The Latvian flag carrier’s history with the Airbus A220-300 dates back to 2016, when it became the launch customer for the aircraft. Since 2020, airBaltic has exclusively operated an A220 fleet. This new order further solidifies airBaltic’s status as the largest A220 customer in Europe.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, remarked, “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.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales at Airbus Commercial Aircraft, stated, “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.”
The A220 is renowned for its modern design, accommodating between 120 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). It features the largest cabin, seats, and windows in its class, providing exceptional comfort. Incorporating state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials, and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines, the A220 boasts a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generations and about 40% lower NOx emissions. It offers 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat, and is capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for its entire fleet to operate with up to 100% SAF by 2030.
As of the end of July, Airbus has received over 900 orders for the A220 from around 30 customers, with approximately 350 aircraft delivered. The A220 is currently in service with more than 20 operators worldwide, covering over 1,400 routes.
