Croatia Airlines eyes first A220 delivery in 2Q24
26.06.2023 – 11:56 UTC
Croatia Airlines (OU, Zagreb) is expecting the first of its four A220-300s from Air Lease Corporation to deliver in the second quarter of 2024, the airline told Ex-Yu Aviation News.
“Activities related to the introduction of the A220 into the fleet are going to plan,” it said, pledging to reveal more information about its fleet renewal at a later stage.
The Croatian flag carrier plans to induct at least twelve A220s, including six -300s on a direct order from Airbus and four -300s and two A220-100s on lease from Air Lease Corporation. The latter are scheduled to start delivering first in 2024 through 2025. Croatia Airlines did not disclose any Airbus delivery dates. The airline is considering dry-leasing a further three A220s with a possible 2027 induction.
The A220s will replace the airline’s existing fleet of five A319-100s, two A320-200s, and six DHC-8-Q400s. Once the rollover is complete, Croatia Airlines aims to be an all-A220 operator.
Croatia Airlines in talks about Mostar fifth-freedom routes
08.06.2023 – 11:55 UTC
Croatia Airlines (OU, Zagreb) is in talks with the operator of Mostar airport about the potential launch of fifth-freedom flights connecting the Herzegovinian city with Rome and other destinations in the European Union, airport director Marko Đuzel told local broadcaster Dobar Dan Mostar.
The Croatian flag carrier resumed its 3x weekly Zagreb-Mostar route on May 3, 2023, with Đuzel saying initial results were positive, and that the Herzegovinian airport would like to see an additional weekly frequency. Croatia Airlines is the only scheduled operator at the airport. Italy’s GoTo Fly, a virtual carrier owned by Forli airport which charters in aircraft from AeroItalia (which, in turn, wet-leases an ATR72-600 from AirConnect), operates flights from Forli and soon from Foggia with varying frequency.
Mostar’s priority is to attract European low-cost carriers, with negotiations ongoing with three companies, Đuzel said, adding that Croatia Airlines expanding its Mostar network is plan B. Beyond the potential Rome route, Mostar airport is looking to add one extra Croatia Airlines destination…
