Leasing giant Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has announced the delivery of the first of six new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Croatia Airlines, marking the start of the carrier’s ambitious fleet replacement plan. In the year in which it celebrates its 35th anniversary, Croatia’s flag carrier and a member of Star Alliance has embarked on the biggest project in the history of the company, namely the renewal of its entire aircraft fleet.
The delivery of its first A220 also ushers in a new corporate image for the company, as revealed by AeroTime in June. The new image features an updated aircraft livery that retains the carrier’s red, sky blue, and navy colors with larger fuselage titles and a stylized block tail scheme.
Croatia Airlines’ fleet will eventually comprise 15 new A220 aircraft once all the new planes jets are delivered. Delivery of the second aircraft is expected by the end of 2024, while the next six are expected to be delivered in 2025, four in 2026, and three aircraft in 2027. Apart from ALC, the new additions are being acquired through lease agreements with Griffin Global Asset Management and Azorra.
“Air Lease Corporation is honored to have been selected by Croatia Airlines as the first Lessor to introduce the A220 to the airline and support Croatia’s major fleet modernization program,” said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation. “This milestone first of six new A220 deliveries is a wonderful achievement that commences the fleet transformation at Croatia Airlines.”
“We are thrilled to congratulate our colleagues at Croatia Airlines on this first A220 aircraft delivery,” said David Beker, Executive Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. “Croatia Airlines’ fleet modernization program is expected to deliver not only a new and improved standard of passenger comfort and experience but also significant financial and environmental benefits due to lower fuel consumption, reduced noise, and lower emissions with the most modern, technologically advanced aircraft available.”
Croatia Airlines’ fleet renewal project is the biggest undertaken in the history of the carrier, which will “facilitate the further development of the company, and the airline’s successful and sustainable operations in the future. Similarly, it confirms the position of Croatia Airlines as a strategically important segment of Croatia’s transport and tourism infrastructure,” said a company statement.
“This day will go down in history as the start of a new era in the history of Croatia Airlines, in the history of Croatian aviation and the Croatian state, and all our employees and passengers,” said Jasmin Bajić, President and CEO of Croatia Airlines. “Allow me to take this opportunity to thank our partner Air Lease Corporation for their cooperation, as well as our other two partners, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney. Thanks to our joint expertise, understanding, and great enthusiasm, we have created a recognizable aircraft that we can all be very proud of.”
By renewing its entire fleet, Croatia Airlines is increasing greater energy efficiencies with newer aircraft which will reduce fuel consumption by 25% per seat. In particular, the newly built A220 aircraft, which offer a setting capacity between 127 and 149 passengers depending on configuration, will ensure that Croatia Airlines’ response to specific passenger needs is enhanced, while it is hoped that the type will create the conditions for a more efficient business model, says the airline.
