Croatia Airlines has taken delivery of its second Airbus A220-300 aircraft (pictured). Registered 9A-CAI and nicknamed “Split”, the brand-new jet arrived in Zagreb yesterday afternoon. It was delivered from the Airbus production plant in Montreal to the Croatian capital via Copenhagen. Featuring 149 seats, Croatia Airlines’ A220s also boast on-board WiFi. Based on its current schedule, the aircraft is tentatively planned to enter into revenue service on the morning of January 3, 2025, with one A220 operating the Dubrovnik – Zagreb route, while the other will be deployed between the Croatian capital and Brussels at the same time. On average, the airline has scheduled for each of its two A220s to maintain six operations per day or three return flights throughout January. Adjustments to the date of entry remains possible.

Commenting on its A220 operations, Croatia Airlines’ CEO, Jasmin Bajić, said, “Our first Airbus A220 has been flying across European skies for six months, with a second now joining the fleet. Six more aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2025, four in 2026, and three in 2027. Thanks to our valued passengers, we’re also planning to expand our network of flights in 2025, in line with the delivery of new aircraft”. He added, “I am particularly pleased to note that since the first flight of our A220, we have received only positive feedback from passengers, ranging from great satisfaction to complete delight. We will continue striving to meet customer expectations, and the Airbus A220, with its outstanding features, performance, and capacity aligns perfectly with our business strategy for the future”.

In a deal worth over half a billion euros according to the Croatian government, Croatia Airlines will replace its entire fleet with thirteen A220-300s and two A220-100s by the end of 2027. The carrier also plans to wet-lease turboprop capacity for shorter and thinner routes. All A220s will be on an operating lease with the aircraft owned by the Air Lease Corporation (six units), Griffin (six) and Azzora (three). Croatia Airlines recently issued a call for type-rated or non-type-rated First Officers on the A220 to join the company.