FLEET - Croatia Airlines eyes unified fleet in 2027, profit in 2028

9A-CAO - A220-100- Croatia Airlines-BRU

Croatia Airlines (OU, Zagreb Franjo Tuđman) is expecting to complete its fleet-wide transition to A220 family aircraft by year-end 2027, although “with a realistic dose of flexibility,” given supply-chain constraints and production capacities at Airbus, CEO Jasmin Bajic said. 

First announced in October 2022, the carrier's single-type fleet replacement project has included the acquisition of thirteen A220-300s and two A220-100s, with six deliveries of the former still pending (five more in 2026 and one in 2027). 

Bajić added that the airline has planned a return to profitability in 2028, although he remains cautious regarding geopolitical instability, jet fuel prices, and a 20% increase in passenger fees at Zagreb Franjo Tuđman

CH Aviation / Photo: Ton Jochems

ROUTES / FLEET - Croatia Airlines marks first commercial flight of new Airbus A220-100 in Dubrovnik

Croatia Airlines marked the first commercial flight of its new Airbus A220-100, the latest aircraft to join the fleet of Croatia’s flag carrier. The first A220-100, delivered on 30 September this year, bears the name of the city of Dubrovnik, and today carried its first passengers on the regular domestic service from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. 8 October 2025, Zagreb – Today, at Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport, Croatia Airlines marked the first commercial flight of its new Airbus A220-100, the latest aircraft to join the fleet of Croatia’s flag carrier. The first A220-100, delivered on 30 September this year, bears the name of the city of Dubrovnik, and today carried its first passengers on the regular domestic service from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.

At the ceremony held at Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport following the aircraft’s arrival from Zagreb, Slaven Žabo, Commercial Division Director at Croatia Airlines, said the following:

– We are delighted that the very first passengers on our newest aircraft arrived right here in Dubrovnik, and we hope they enjoyed a first-class flying experience. The Airbus A220-100 is specially adapted to the challenges of flying in demanding weather conditions, which is particularly important for flight operations at Dubrovnik Airport, where strong bora winds are common. A noteworthy detail is that this aircraft, named after Dubrovnik, the jewel of Croatia’s tourism, offers the highest number of seats of any aircraft of its type.

Žabo added that the complete fleet renewal project represents a significant step forward for Croatian civil aviation, and enables Croatia Airlines to further strengthen its flight network.

– Thanks to our cooperation with Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, we are extending our seasonal Dubrovnik–Rome service into the upcoming winter flight timetable, making it a year-round route. In addition, flights on the Dubrovnik–Frankfurt route will continue, ensuring that Dubrovnik remains directly connected with two major European destinations throughout the winter period.

Regular international Dubrovnik–Rome flights will operate twice weekly – on Thursdays, and Sundays – while Croatia Airlines aircraft will serve the Dubrovnik–Frankfurt route three times a week – on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Viktor Šober, CEO at Dubrovnik’s Ruđer Bošković Airport, stated the following:

– We are delighted that Croatia Airlines’ newest aircraft, bearing the name Dubrovnik, has landed at Ruđer Bošković Airport. The introduction of modern aircraft such as the Airbus A220-100 enhances the travel experience for passengers, while the symbolic connection of the name further reaffirms Dubrovnik’s international importance as a globally recognised destination. We believe that this aircraft, along with the entire new fleet, will contribute to even better year-round accessibility of our city.

From today until Sunday, 12 October 2025, passengers travelling from Dubrovnik (as well as from Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and Osijek) can take advantage of a special Croatia Airlines offer of a 50% discount on direct international flights to the airline’s European destinations (and back). The offer applies to travel during the 2025/2026 winter timetable, i.e. between 26 October 2025 and 28 March 2026. The discount applies to the airfare (base fare), while airport charges and other fees are payable in full. This exclusive offer is available on the airline’s website, www.croatiaairlines.com, and in the Croatia Airlines mobile app.

As part of the largest project in the company’s 36-year history – the complete fleet renewal – Croatia Airlines has so far taken delivery of six new Airbus A220-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 149 passengers, and one Airbus A220-100 with a seating capacity of 127 passengers. The project is expected to be completed in 2027, when the entire fleet will consist of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft, including 13 A220-300s, and two A220-100s.

Croatia

ROUTES - CROATIA AIRLINES OUTLINES A220-100 OPERATIONS FROM OCT 2025

Croatia Airlines tomorrow plans to launch Airbus A220-100 scheduled operations, initially on Zagreb – Dubrovnik route. The Star Alliance member recently also filed additional operations for the 127-seater during winter 2025/26 season.

Zagreb – Dubrovnik A220-100 service inaugural on 08OCT25, OU6660/6665 (followed by 19OCT25 and 21OCT25 from ZAG)
Zagreb – Barcelona One-time A220-100 service on 21OCT25
Zagreb – Berlin One-time A220-100 service on 24OCT25
Zagreb – Brussels First A220-100 flight on 16OCT25
Zagreb – Frankfurt One-time A220-100 service on 24OCT25, 26OCT25
Zagreb – Milan Malpensa One-time A220-100 service on 20OCT25, 22OCT25
Zagreb – Sarajevo First A220-100 flight on 07NOV25, followed by 09NOV25 and various dates in January 2026, and 19FEB26
Zagreb – Skopje One-time A220-100 service on 12OCT25
Zagreb – Split One-time A220-100 service on 24OCT25
Zagreb – Vienna One-time A220-100 service on 03JAN26
Zagreb – Zurich A220-100 service on 01JAN26, 03JAN26, 04JAN26, 10JAN26, 11JAN26

Photo:Croatia 

FLEET - Croatia Airlines takes delivery of first A220-100

Croatia Airlines (OU, Zagreb Franjo Tuđman) has taken delivery of its first A220-100, following a direct non-stop ferry flight from Montréal Mirabel to Zagreb Franjo Tuđman on September 29-30, 2025.
9A-CAO (msn 50087) is the world's first unit of the type configured in the maximum certified density for up to 127 passengers.
The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1521G engines, is owned by Air Lease Corporation, and is the first of two units of the type that Croatia Airlines plans to add as part of its ongoing fleet renewal.
ch-aviation data indicates that the aircraft will enter service on October 10 and debut on the route between Zagreb and Munich. 9A-CAO will also operate to Dubrovnik and Hamburg on the same day.
"The aircraft will enter service after the completion of all necessary technical preparations and approvals from the relevant Croatian institutions," airline's spokesperson told ch-aviation.
The Croatian flag carrier currently operates six A220-300s, four A319-100s, two A320-200s, and four DHC-8-Q400s. It is set to receive seven more A220-300s and one -100 by 2027, becoming an all-A220 operator, as part of its fleet renewal drive. Croatia Airlines received its first A220-300 in July 2024.
Until now, the highest seat-count on in-service A220-100s was the single-class layout for up to 125 passengers installed by Swiss and ITA Airways.

CH aviation / Photos Croatia Airlines
 

FLEET / ROUTES - CROATIA AIRLINES MOVES FORWARD A220-100 SERVICE ENTRY TO MID-OCT 2025

Croatia Airlines in recent schedule update filed revised Airbus A220-100 operation for Northern winter 2025/26 season, which now sees the smaller A220 variant enters service on 10OCT25.

For the period of 10OCT25 – 13OCT25, the A220-100 will be serving following routes:

Zagreb – Dubrovnik
Zagreb – Dubrovnik – Rome Fiumicino
Zagreb – Frankfurt
Zagreb – Munich
Zagreb – Skopje
Zagreb – Split – Rome Fiumicino
Zagreb – Thessaloniki

Photo: Croatia 

ORDER - LOT Polish Airlines places its first ever Airbus order for 40 A220s

LOT Polish Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, marking the first time Poland’s national carrier has selected Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation.

Paris, France, 16 June 2025 – LOT Polish Airlines has placed a firm order with Airbus for 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, marking the first time Poland’s national carrier has selected Airbus aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation. The agreement which could foresee a future increase to 84 A220 aircraft was announced at the 2025 Paris Air Show.

“Today’s decision is about the future. The Airbus A220 family aircraft, which will start joining our fleet in 2027, open up new opportunities for development and growth – key pillars of our strategy. These modern, efficient, and passenger-focused aircraft will allow us to compete effectively in the European skies, strengthen our position as the preferred carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, and prepare LOT for its role as a leading airline at the Central Communication Port,” said Michał Fijoł, LOT Executive Officer.

“This order for 40 Airbus A220s marks a historic milestone as we officially welcome LOT Polish Airlines into the Airbus family. The A220 Family will be instrumental in LOT's fleet modernisation and network expansion strategy with the A220-100 and A220-300 being the ideal combination for their needs. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with LOT, leveraging Airbus global expertise to support its renewal program and ensure the A220's seamless integration," said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

The A220 aircraft will gradually replace the LOT’s existing regional fleet, offering new possibilities for route development and new destinations thanks to the A220 benefits.

Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat market, while the larger A220-300 is perfectly tailored for the 120-160 seat market. The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500 GTF engines and offers a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the previous generation of aircraft.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting for its aircraft to be 100% SAF capable by 2030.

At the end of May 2025, the A220 had secured over 900 firm orders from more than 30 customers worldwide, with over 415 aircraft already delivered. The A220 is currently in successful service with 24 airlines globally, operating on more than 1,600 routes and serving over 470 destinations.

 

FLEET / ORDER - Ethiopian Airlines mulls order for 20 regional jet

Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) is planning to order up to 20 regional jets in line with plans to expand its domestic fleet and retire older aircraft, Reuters reported.

CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele told the newswire that the airline is currently evaluating three models, namely E190-E2s, A220-100s, or B737-7s. The final number of aircraft it orders will depend on which type is selected, he added.

The proposed order is part of Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to establish multiple African hubs and provide feeder services to its Addis Ababa International hub.

As ch-aviation previously reported, Ethiopian Airlines said in December 2024 it was delaying its plans to replace its DHC-8-Q400s with either A220s or E-Jets due to ongoing reliability concerns with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engines that power both aircraft. The carrier said at the time it expected the order would be in the "double digits" comprising about 10 firm orders and 10 options.

In 2024, the airline also leased four B737 MAX to bridge a capacity gap created by delivery delays from Boeing for B737-8s initially expected in April that year.

ch-aviation data shows the carrier operates 147 aircraft, namely three A350-1000s, twenty A350-900s, three B737-700s, nineteen B737-8s, ten B737-800s (two of which are wet-leased), one B737-800(BBJ), one B737-800(BCF), three B737-800(SF)s, three B767-300ER(BDSF)s (all inactive), two B767-300Fs, twelve B777-200Fs, six B777-200LRs, five B777-300ERs, nineteen B787-8s, ten B787-9s, and thirty DHC-8-Q400s. One A350-1000, eleven A350-900s, thirty-three B737-8s, eight B777-9s, and eleven B787-9s are awaiting delivery.

CH Aviation

FLEET - Croatia Airlines is due to take delivery of its first 127-seat A220-100 in October 2025, becoming the smallest aircraft in its fleet.

Photo: Croatia / A220-300
 

ORDER - Air Niugini discloses order for two more Airbus A220s

Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus for two more latest generation single-aisle A220-100s.

Toulouse, France, 28 May 2025 – Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus for two more latest generation single-aisle A220-100s. This follows an initial order in 2023 for six aircraft. In addition, the carrier has lease agreements signed for three A220-300s from US-based lessor Azorra.

The new order was disclosed as the first A220 for the airline entered final assembly at Airbus facilities in Mirabel in Canada.
Gary Seddon, Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini said: “The A220 is set to form the backbone of our domestic and regional fleet and will support economic development in Papua New Guinea. As we continue to forecast strong growth we have made the decision to increase our orders for this fuel efficient type, bringing a whole new level of efficiency and comfort for our operations.”
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business said: “This is Air Niugini's second order for the A220. We are committed to working closely with the airline as we support its fleet renewal programme. The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a wider and spacious cabin and the range to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s network.”
Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption, the A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km). Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat market, while the larger A220-300 is perfectly tailored for the 120-160 seat market.
The A220 is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines and offers a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with up to 100% SAF by 2030.

As at the end of April 2025, Airbus had received over 900 orders from more than 30 customers for the A220, of which over 410 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 24 operators worldwide. The fleet is currently flying on more than 1,600 routes and more than 470 destinations across the globe, confirming its leading position in the small single-aisle market.

FLEET - Air Niugini sees first A220 delivery slip into 3Q24

Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) expects a slight delay in the delivery of its first A220-100, with the airline advising in a July 15 press statement that it is now expected in August 2025 rather than the second quarter of the year. In the interim, the airline said another DHC-8-Q400 is due to ferry in this August.

"Air Niugini remains committed to its fleet replacement program, which will see more modern and efficient aircraft arriving to replace the retiring Fokker fleet," the statement reads. The airline inked an order with Airbus late last year for six A220-100s. In addition, it will lease another two plus three A220-300s from third-party suppliers. The A220s will replace Air Niugini's fleet of six F70s and seven F100s. Earlier in 2023, Air Niugini also signed a deal with Boeing to buy two B787-8s to replace its pair of B767-300ERs.

The PNG government's 2024-28 Public Investment Program for Statutory Authorities values the fleet replacement at PGK3.3 billion kina (USD843.5 million). "The entire fleet replacement program is expected to be completed by 2028," the document reads. "Air Niugini envisages delivering this fleet replacement through a blend of purchasing new, nearly new and leasing new aircraft."

In addition to the B787-8s and A220s, the airline also intends to introduce ten DHC-8-Q400s to replace an aging and varied turboprop fleet that currently includes DHC-8-300, DHC-8-Q200, and DHC-8-Q300 types.

"Acquiring new aircraft will provide Air Niugini with a competitive edge in the aviation industry," the documents adds. "With newer more efficient aircrafts, Air Niugini can drastically reduce its operating costs. The new aircraft burn 27% less fuel than the existing, and maintenance costs will be substantially reduced as they are largely covered by the aircraft manufacturer."

Air Niugini did not respond to a request for comment.

CH Aviation

 

FLEET - ITA Airways takes first A220-100

ITA Airways (AZ, Rome Fiumicino) has taken delivery of its first A220-100, deploying it into commercial service on the restricted and high-yielding Milan Linate-London City route almost immediately.

EI-HLA (msn 50068) was ferried directly from Montréal Mirabel to Rome Fiumicino on October 31-November 1, 2023. Flightradar24 ADS-B data shows it was then repositioned to Linate on November 2 and operated its first revenue flight to London City on November 3. So far, the aircraft has only been used on this route. It is configured for up to 125 passengers in a single-class layout.

ITA Airways has six more A220-100s on direct order from Airbus. The airline is only the third operator of the variant globally, following Swiss and Delta Air Lines. It also operates seven A220-300s on lease from Air Lease Corporation with plans to add a further nine of the type from the same lessor. The -300 is not certified to operate at London City airport.

Prior to EI-HLA's delivery, ITA Airways had wet-leased an E190 from Eastern Airways (T3, Humberside) to operate the London City route. The up to 3x daily route can be flown with a single aircraft.

CH Aviation / Photo: ITA AIRWAYS 

FLEET - Air Niugini orders the A220

Air Niugini, the national carrier of Papua New Guinea, has signed a firm order with Airbus for six latest generation single aisle A220-100s under its fleet modernisation programme. In addition, the carrier will acquire three A220-300s and another two A220-100s from third party lessors. 

The order was announced at a special event in Port Moresby by Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer Air Niugini and Anand Stanley, President Airbus Asia-Pacific, in the presence of the Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Hon. William Duma, Minister for State Enterprises.

Combining the longest range, lowest fuel consumption and widest cabin in the 100-150 seat category, the A220 will be operated by Air Niugini across its domestic and regional network. The new fleet will deliver more capacity and greater reliability across the domestic network and enable the carrier to fly from capital Port Moresby to new destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Gary Seddon, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini said: “This is a milestone in the history of our national airline that will support the growth of trade and tourism in Papua New Guinea. The new aircraft will offer the highest levels of comfort for our passengers, while also ensuring a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions when compared to the aircraft they will replace.”

Minister Duma said: “This is a momentous occasion for Air Niugini. Coinciding with the airline’s 50th Anniversary, Air Niugini secures six new regional jets that will revolutionise travel for the citizens of Papua New Guinea. I am looking forward to welcoming the ‘People’s Balus’ (the people’s plane) to our skies”.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, said: “Air Niugini has seen how much more the A220 brings to their airline than the competing product in this space, so much more efficiency, range, comfort and growth potential. We thank Air Niugini for its confidence in Airbus and are committed to offering our full support to the airline as it transitions to its new fleet.”

Air Niugini also announced that it has selected a flight planning support system from Airbus subsidiary NAVBLUE for its fleet. Called N-Flight Planning (N-FP), the solution will help the airline optimise on fuel, time and cost to meet operational needs, while ensuring overall safety and compliance.

The A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 150 passengers on flights of up to 3,450 nautical miles (6,390 km). Depending on cabin configuration, the A220-100 serves the 100-135 seat market, while the larger A220-300 is perfectly tailored for the 120-150 seat market.

The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation GTF™ engines. Offering 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, the A220 also has the largest cabin, seats and windows in its class, ensuring superior comfort.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with 100% SAF by 2030.

As at the end of September, Airbus has received over 800 orders from around 30 customers for the A220, of which more than 280 have been delivered. The A220 is already in successful service with 17 airlines worldwide.

 

 

Vanuatu gov't provides cash for A220s amid deal probe

The Government of Vanuatu has agreed to provide an additional VUV200 million vatus (USD1.8 million) to Air Vanuatu (NF, Port Vila) to help the state-owned carrier meet its obligations to Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) for the planned purchase of four A220s. However, the government also wants to probe the order and trim it down to two units.

"This is something that the government wants to establish a Commission of Inquiry to understand why the previous board of Air Vanuatu took such a decision to commit the government of Vanuatu to four aircraft without consideration to economic factors, financial, technical factors such as its engines and certificates," Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo told the Daily Post newspaper.

Koanapo underlined that the government would prefer to take only two A220s instead of four previously planned. The aircraft would operate predominantly domestically, where there is strong demand. The minister stated that Airbus has agreed to "focus on two aircraft first".

Under the existing agreement, Air Vanuatu will add two A220-100s and two A220-300s. The first -300 was due to deliver in the middle of this year and the first -100 by the end of the year. The other two aircraft were due to arrive in 2021 and 2022. Collectively, the A220s were due to be used regionally and not only within the Vanuatu archipelago. In June, the carrier's then newly formed board said that it had deferred deliveries planned for 2020, without announcing a new schedule.

The VUV200 million injection has yet to be approved by the Ni-Vanuatu parliament.

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Air Vanuatu's current fleet comprises three DHC-6-300s, one ATR72-600, one B737-800, and one Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander. The carrier has also been looking into replacements for its Twin Otters and Islander which are used primarily on domestic island-hopper flights. To date, however, no formal decision on an order has yet been made public.

ch aviation

Comlux Aviation orders ACJ TwoTwenty bizjets

Comlux Aviation (Zurich) has become the world's first disclosed customer for Airbus's newly unveiled corporate jet, the ACJ TwoTwenty, a model based on the A220-100 variant.

The business charter specialist has placed a firm order for two units scheduled to enter into service in 2023. Comlux will also be Airbus's partner in outfitting the ACJ TwoTwenties at its cabin configuration centre at Indianapolis Int'l airport.

"We are proud to be the launch customer of Airbus' newest family member, the ACJ TwoTwenty and the selected partner to outfit the cabin in our completion centre in Indianapolis. We have worked jointly with ACJ and shared our long experience in operating and completing all types of aircraft, to allow the new bizjet to offer more comfort and the latest cabin innovations available in the industry," Comlux's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Richard Gaona said.

Airbus simultaneously secured a further four orders for the ACJ TwoTwenty from undisclosed customers.

On its entry into service, the ACJ TwoTwenty will be the ACJ corporate jet line's smallest variant.

DELTA AIR LINES - A220-100 - N119DU

Brian Worthington

Seattle Tacoma International (SEA / KSEA)
USA

Delta Air Lines takes delivery of its first Airbus A220

Becomes first airline in North America to receive A220

Airbus today welcomed Delta Air Lines as the first U.S. carrier to take delivery of the Airbus A220 aircraft. On hand for the delivery ceremony at the aircraft’s assembly line in Mirabel were members of the A220 team as well as government officials and executives from Delta, Airbus, Bombardier and Investissement Quebec.

“It is with great pride that we take delivery of our first, state-of-the-art A220-100,” said Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian. “We have big plans for our A220 fleet and are confident that Delta customers and Delta people alike will be delighted with the in-flight experience provided by this thoroughly modern and efficient aircraft. We value our longstanding partnerships with Airbus and Bombardier and are grateful for the great design and manufacturing work done by the team here in Mirabel.”

Delta’s A220 will enter service in early 2019, making Delta the fourth global airline to operate the aircraft previously known as the Bombardier C Series. The C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP) welcomed Airbus as lead partner earlier this year, prompting the change of name to the Airbus A220. Delta is the largest A220-100 customer, with a firm order for 75 aircraft.

Guillaume Faury, President of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business, said, “We at Airbus are dedicated to providing our customers the right products for a marketplace that needs modern, efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft – and the remarkable A220 certainly delivers. When a great airline like Delta puts a new aircraft into service as a platform for their outstanding passenger service, the entire industry takes note. The A220 team is gratified by the confidence that the Delta family has placed in this excellent, Canadian-born aircraft.”

The A220-100 delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency. It brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.

With an order book of over 400 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.



As of the end of September, Delta was operating a fleet of 235 Airbus aircraft, including 182 A320 Family members, as well as 42 A330s and 11 A350 XWB, or eXtra Wide Body aircraft. The airline has more than 275 additional Airbus aircraft on order. Next year, Delta will become the first U.S. airline to operate the new Airbus A330neo.

Delta Air Lines A220 takes to the skies for its first flight

Delta will be the first U.S. operator to benefit from this new-generation aircraft’s unbeatable efficiency

Delta Air Lines’ first A220-100 took off on its first flight from Mirabel airport, Québec, at 02:02 p.m. local time. The aircraft was crewed by A220 programme test pilots. During the successful 2-hour and 53-minute flight, the crew checked the aircraft’s main systems and landed back in Mirabel at 04:55 p.m.



The flight took place a few days after the aircraft rolled out of the paint shop. Next, the aircraft will continue with pre-delivery testing and assembly, as elements of its state-of-the-art interior come together at the A220 assembly line. Delta’s first A220 is scheduled to begin service in early 2019.

Delta Air Lines will be the first U.S. airline to operate the A220 – at the same time becoming the fourth A220 operator, after Swiss International Air Lines, airBaltic, and Korean Air. Delta is the largest A220-100 customer, with a firm order for 75 aircraft.

The A220-100 delivers unbeatable fuel efficiency. It brings together state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced materials and Pratt & Whitney’s latest-generation PW1500G geared turbofan engines to offer at least 20 percent lower fuel burn per seat compared to previous generation aircraft.

With an order book of over 400 aircraft to date, the A220 has all the credentials to win the lion’s share of the 100- to 150-seat aircraft market, estimated to represent at least 7,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.

First Delta Air Lines A220-100 rolls out of painting hangar in Mirabel

Delta Air Lines` first Airbus A220-100 was introduced this week after rolling out of the painting hangar at the A220 final assembly line in Mirabel, Québec

The initial Airbus A220-100 for Delta Air Lines – the first U.S. carrier that will receive an A220 jetliner – completed its painting at the A220 final assembly ...

Delta Air Lines` first Airbus A220-100 was introduced this week after rolling out of the painting hangar at the A220 final assembly line in Mirabel, Québec. Delta will be the first U.S. airline to take delivery of the A220, featuring a state-of-the art interior and delivering best-in-class fuel performance.

Now that the aircraft is decked out in Delta’s livery, it will move to pre flight activities in the A220 flight line hangar in Mirabel before taking off for its first flight later this fall.

Delta’s first A220 is scheduled to begin service in early 2019.

Airbus introduces the A220-100 and A220-300

Québec-born aircraft join the Airbus family
Airbus has revealed the A220 at a ceremony held at its Henri-Ziegler Delivery Centre, near Toulouse. Witnessed by Airbus employees and members of the global news media, the A220-300 landed directly from the painting at 12:25 am CEST wearing its new Airbus name and colours.

The A220 family comprises two models, the A220-100 and A220-300, formerly Bombardier Inc.’s C Series (CS100 and CS300). The aircraft are fully optimized for the 100 to 150 seat market and perfectly complement Airbus’ existing best-selling A320neo family.

“Everyone at Airbus has been looking forward to this historic moment. Today, we are thrilled to welcome the A220 to the Airbus family and are honoured to see it wearing its new Airbus colours for the first time,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus President Commercial Aircraft. “I pay tribute to all the women and men at Bombardier and the supply chain who have strived over the past years to bring this fantastic aircraft to the world. The A220 now enters a new phase in its career with all Airbus’ ressources behind it to further its commercial success worldwide."

Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, added: “We are enthusiastic about incorporating the A220 in the Airbus Family. I have received positive feedback from customers, and this contributes to my optimism that within the Airbus network, we will make the A220 a great commercial success."