Croatia Airlines: A220 “perfect fit” for fleet


Croatia Airlines has said the Airbus A220 aircraft is an ideal choice for its upcoming fleet renewal, as the European plane manufacturer presented the jet in Zagreb yesterday. During a demonstration flight for airline executives and aviation industry stakeholders, the national carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer, Slaven Žabo, said, “This is an aircraft that has been designed today for the next thirty years, which is something we need. These are narrow-body jets that delight with their comfort and I think they would perfectly fit within Croatia Airlines fleet”. The Croatian carrier is on the lookout for new jets as it plans to renew its fleet with up to fifteen aircraft. The A220 is believed to be the front-runner in their selection process.


Airbus’ Head of Single-Aisle Market Development, Claude Debaquenne, noted that the A220 would allow Croatia Airlines to launch a number of new routes, with its range enabling the carrier to cover all of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The CEO of airBaltic, Martin Gauss, who was present in Zagreb yesterday as the largest operator of the A220, said that Croatia Airlines could have similar benefits from the aircraft as the Latvian carrier, since it is profitable to operate both on longer routes, as well as short sectors, such as the one Croatia Airlines has domestically. airBaltic now exclusively operates the A220 and has retired other aircraft types from its fleet. Its longest route with the jet is between Riga - Dubai, taking over six hours. 


The A220 family, comprising the A220-100 and the A220-300, is considered to be the most efficient small single-aisle aircraft. It has a range of up to 6.390 kilometres, as well as widest seats, largest windows and 20% more overhead stowage space per passenger than other narrow-body aircraft. Its windows are bigger than that on the Boeing 777. Currently there are ten operators committed to the type. In addition to airBaltic, they include, Swiss, Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air Tanzania, Egypt Air, Air Canada, jetBlue, Air Manas and Air Austral. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1500G latest generation engines (geared turbofans), belonging to the same engine family as those powering the A320neo family.



Comments

  1. Anonymous09:02

    This planes are perfect for OU but I would not retire the Q400s.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:29

      Agree they should definitely replace the A320 family but I do wonder what they will do with the Q400. They talk about 12-15 planes which is around the size of the current fleet.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:32

      air baltic retired the Q400 recently and now have an all A220 fleet.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:34

      But I'm not sold on the idea Air Baltic is suggesting that this plane can work on short routes. Imagine in winter, routes like Zagreb-Zadar-Pula with A220.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous09:35

      Those routes are pso anyway ;)

      Delete
    5. Anonymous09:38

      It can work if you make these routes more attractive for passengers. Air Baltic is flying with these to Liepaja 5pw and the city is similar to size with Zadar.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous09:38

      Fact of the matter is that Q400 production has stopped and support for it will become more difficult in the next year.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous15:47

      Without a220 Croatia Airlines is done, a220 is state of the art aircraft which will make Croatia Airlines unbeatable. Low maintenance costs, extreme fuel efficiency, state of the art technology and in the end perfect capacity for Croatian market. This airplane will help Croatia Airlines not just fix the balance sheet but also be leading airline in this part of the Europe. A319,320ceo were good airplanes 10 years ago, but times have changed and OU is in desperate need of fleet replacement. There is still enough of space for Q400 but they are getting retired everywhere so new machines must take its place in not so distant future. Without A220 there is no future for Croatia Airlines.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous16:44

      Ryanair will decide if Croatia Airlines is unbeatable.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous11:28

      I think Ryanair already decided that

      Delete
  2. Anonymous09:02

    So they are actually doing it? Also did Airbus pitch them their old livery? xD

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous09:02

    Looks nice in Croatia Airlines colors on the Airbus poster, although they used the old livery :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous09:03

    Still don't get how they are going to finance it but it would be a great thing for OU, and hopefully a phase of real development.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous09:04

    So really, all it took was a global pandemic devastating the aviation industry and the arrival of Europe's largest airline in Zagreb to wake Croatia Airlines up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:21

      Yes haha Same with SJJ, they needed covid to wake up.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous09:05

    Nice, although in terms of range, they really could have served most of that area with A319/A320.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:16

      The Middle East and North Africa certainly.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:22

      Why would they fly there? They could have flown there for 30 years but haven't. Why would they suddenly start flying there just because they get A220.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous09:08

    This would really be something amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous09:08

    If they were to order the A220 as early as today, when is it realistic that the aircraft could be delivered?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:14

      Q3 2022?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:18

      Not bad

      Delete
    3. Anonymous15:31

      @Anonymous09:08

      There's a massive order backlog, 650 A220 on order, only 170 or so delivered. New orders are coming in every month, if OU ordered let say 6A220 300, first could be delivered in 2024 at the earliest. If order is for 12 aircraft then first aircraft could be delivered early in 2023. But best option for OU is to agree lease to own deal with Airbus as they did with Q400, so all aircraft would be fully owned after 10 years or so. Leasing A220 300 configured with 128 seats would be around € 3.5 million per year per aircraft. Brand new A220 300 is around €40 million, ignore manufacture’s price, market price is often only half the actual price. OU could afford 8 A220 and still make decent profit. Keeping 1 A320 100 and 4 A319 during the summer seasons is a smart solution, why lease, but these are old aicraft now, so not sure how viable this option is in the long term.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous19:48

      There is a backlog on the BFM FAL which is different than the backlog on the YMX FAL. It appears, all US A220-300 deliveries come from BFM which is scheduled to produce 4/month as an outcome of the dumping suit brought by Boeing. So far, YMX is for all A220-100 and non US A220-300 with production up to 12/month. The current backlog is disproortionately to the BFM FAL.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous09:10

    In my opinion this will be a win or bust moment for OU. They definitely need new planes and the A220 is a very nice bird. If they play it right, launch new profitable routes then it could work, although I think a change in management would be required. But it could also be a bust moment. These aircraft could be a huge financial burden if they are unable to generate a profit.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous09:13

    It's a perfect match for Croatia's needs, hope Air Serbia will follow suit. They should order as much as 20 of these.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:27

      This is the perfect aircraft for both OU and JU. However, actually buying/acquiring these is a different story... even a simple lease will propel their fixed costs massively vs their current Airbus fleets, while ops costs will be lower. In the long-run, it will make complete sense but the immediate financial hit may be too big for both carriers to afford and absorb with their current financial standing.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:42

      Prices for leasing new A220 are similar to leasing 5 to 10 years old A320. And Croatia will need to get new aircraft anyway so i think taking newer and more fuel efficient tehnology is better than taking models with older tehnology for the same price but 30 seats more.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:36

      ^ Really. In that case the A220 would be a no brainer.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:39

      But I don't think there are A220s being offered for lease anywhere.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:42

      Like I said a couple of days ago, they could do sale and leaseback. They sell the plane to a leasing company which then leases it back to them.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:59

      Anon 10.39
      Almost all new planes are taken via leasing houses. Example, brand new ATRs for Tarom were taken via leasing house. Also some leasing houses like Air Lease and Nordic Aviation ordered A220s.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous11:08

      Also, according to planespotters.net 18/30 Air Baltics A220s are leased.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous11:10

      Wow they already have 30 A220s!

      Delete
    9. Anonymous15:41

      @Anonymous09:42

      Leasing brand new A220 – on lease to own is around €3.0 million per year, not sure how much an 5 year old A320 lease is, but A220 ain’t cheap.

      Anonymous10:39 -Airbus will lease to own aircraft but there's a waiting list for these.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous19:53

      Of the total order backlog, approximately 120 are from leasing comapanies. This is different than Air baltic who ordered the planes and then did sale leaseback of their order.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous09:18

    I had no ideas airlines like Korean Air, Air Manas and Air Tanzania ordered these. I think it's a great jet and it would be nice to see them flying in this region more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:38

      But currently only two operators in Europe - airBaltic and Swiss. Although Air France will get them soon.

      Delete
  12. Plenković will time this wth the next elections, and try to line up the delivery of first aircraft with the arrival of first Rafale jets. It's just a PR stunt to secure his new mandate that OU will profit from.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:19

      When are the elections supposed to be?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous09:25

      In 2024.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous09:30

      Thanks. Seems plausible, although I would hope OU could get the planes earlier because by then Ryanair could have 10 planes in Zagreb at the rate they are going.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:36

      Weren't the Q400s also used for political purposes? Or there was some political background to the deal.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous10:38

      No, you mixed up with the A320 order which later turned into A320neo order. Q400 order was one of OU's smarter decisions.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous10:43

      Political or not, there is no doubt these aircraft are needed for OU so it would serve them good.

      Delete
    7. Of course it is political, just like every thing in life. Also, new aircraft for OU does not guarantee they turn profitabile. The real problem is inapt management and overstaffing caused by political interfetence. These problem will not go away simply because new fleet has been obtained. OU must be privatized. That is the only way PU can move forward.

      Delete
    8. I meant OU, not PU.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous15:46

      @Anonimac12:05

      Yes OU management is terrible and need to be replaced, but privatizing OU isn't the way or possible. OU should be come under parliamentary control so every kuna spent is justified no political appointees and staffing levels are too high, OU needs 500 staff at most.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous09:23

    This stuff seems to be serious and OU being committed if the Air Baltic plane arrived yesterday in ZAG.
    Ever since Airbus got involved with the A220, the project dramatically improved. This is a badass plane and a game changer similar to the future A321XLR.
    Even though, the E190 family also proved to be extremely reliable for the likes of AF/KLM, Air Dolomiti, Belavia, Bulgaria Air, LOT, etc.
    Anyway, good luck to OU.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous09:28

    I remember there were rumors even during the time when Bombardier was developing the plane that Croatia Airlines was interested in it and that apparently Kucko went to Canada to negotiate but that is was too expensive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:37

      Kucko was all talk no action.

      Delete
  15. Anonymous09:28

    The cooperation Croatia Airlines has with Airbus and the deposit they have with them will help get this deal moving along.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:31

      And during corona times you can negotiate a much better deal than before.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:09

      True

      Delete
  16. Once again : A220, absolutely yes, and up to 15 as previously reported, absolutely yes, but only with Q400 remaining in the fleet and growing in number, and with A320 neo order converted to A321 XLR. Just one type in fleet, no matter how modern and no matter how cost effective is not enough to cover for all markets needed to be opened in order to survive, and would basically mean continuation of feeder role with lower operational costs, nothing else

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous09:48

      A320neo is cancelled so you cannot do anything around changing it.

      I would agree that having only one type is not good considering how Croatian market looks. On most of routes having larger aircraft than q400 would be quite logical.

      Delete
    2. As far as I know, A320 neo is not cancelled, and the talks with Airbus about it are going to be held/renewed. It was reported here, by ex yu, the day before yesterday. Now, if you are telling me you know OU firmly decided to cancell neo order no matter what, I wouldn't be surprised at all. It is actually confirmation of my words that they intend to remain LH feeder, until JP fate knocks on the door

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:08

      A320neo isn't cancelled but as ex-Yu reported Croatia Airlines has informed Airbus that they are not going to take the aircraft and they are now trying to negotiate what to do with them. So it is possible to change the aircraft type because Croatia Airlines has an 8,5 million EUR deposit tied up with Airbus.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:48

      This deposit story with Airbus sounds familiar.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous09:39

    It seems a lot of posters today have been conned into thinking OU can afford this kind of project, so the PR campaign is obviously successful. However, it will be a rude awakening after this winter.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous09:57

    Mislim da je A220-100 idealan avion i za Air Sebiu. Konacno bi bila to adekvatna zamena za DC9, avion sa 100 sedista, efikasan, moze i region i Evropu da pokrije, idealan i u van sezoni, iz Airbus familije. Jedino trenutna smetnja jeste cena, samo su novi na trzistu, a nisam siguran da JU to moze da pokrije.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:03

      Agree. Cabin looks fantastic and those windows ����

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19:00

      Samo sto avion uopste nije iz Airbus familije i nema slicnosti sa ostalim Airbus avionima koje JU ima u floti.

      Delete
  19. It’s a perfect fit but also very expensive. And i doubt they have cash

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:35

      They could work something out with Airbus.

      Delete
  20. Anonymous10:35

    They have been an Airbus customer for decades and bought planes directly from them so it makes sense.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous10:47

    I personally enjoyed flying the A220 with Swiss and I agree it would make sense for Croatia Airlines to order it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous10:47

    Still doubt it will happen, but let's see.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous10:50

    The A220 is the best jet replacement on the market for the A320s.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:06

      Now all they need is a management replacement.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:19

      Considering how many times the acting CEOs temporary position has been extended each 6 months, I doubt that will happen.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:52

      Maybe they can lease to buy used management from Airbus.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous11:01

    To me this looks like they probably won't get privatized if they are making fleet renewal and network expansion plans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:04

      Privatized? :)

      You gotta be kidding.

      Delete
  25. Anonymous11:05

    Finally some decent news from OU. It is good to see that OU will be aiming to create growth.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous11:17

    Someone already said that these planes will be financed by the state. In Monday's article OU was talking about green technology, CO2 reduction, Green Europe, which are phrases important when EU is approving state aid. So OU will probably going to get aid from the government with EU's approval.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vlad11:53

      No chance in hell that EU will approve state aid for the acquisition of aircraft for a commercial entity.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:26

      Their ability to get any more state money will be hampered by Ryanair's presence. Ryanair are notorious for watching this like hawks and heaven help the state if they pump any more money into OU now that Ryanair is on the scene. This will be worse than going to the proctologist for a checkup !

      Delete
    3. Anonymous12:33

      Good one. ahahahah

      Delete
    4. Anonymous16:24

      EU already has many examples of incentives for private business for reducing carbon footprint, replacement of older tech with greener one etc.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous17:32

      You're incredibly optimistic if you think you can get any "green" subsidies for carbon-powered aircraft.

      Delete
  27. Anonymous11:20

    Love this plane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is my favourite narrow-body AC. I flew on A220 with LX (Y class) and with MS (C class). Loved it. A lot of leg room in coach class, beautiful small lights and small screens in LX AC. If OU gets these ACs (i hardly believe), I will be one of the first passengers to try it. A220 is so different from anything else in Airbus family, that everyone should try it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:28

      Sloavio, leg room has nothing to do with the a/c type ... it is an airline product decision that comes down to what LOPA and choice of seat they decide on

      Delete
  28. Anonymous11:24

    If this really goes through, I could see Croatia Airlines shifting more and more into becoming a transfer airline and looking for new markets outside of Europe. Something Air Serbia is doing currently. So they could become a competitor to JU in this respect if they could offer good fares. They would have the upper hand of being a Star Alliance airline and lower costs because they are operating a new plane. Of course this is under the idea JU does not renew its fleet any time soon.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous11:26

    I hope at least one will be based in Ljubljana.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:29

      Why would they do that?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:02

      To try and take a share of the SLO aviation market.

      Delete
  30. Anonymous11:32

    No need for extended range, make sure that it reaches to Frankfurt and that’s enough for Croatia Airlines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAHAH. Is there anyone aware of any feeder airline doing well - profit wise?

      Delete
  31. Anonymous11:33

    Bravo Hrvatska!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Prvo skoci pa reci hop! Za sada skoka nema, samo koracici, i to unatrag

      Delete
  32. Anonymous11:56

    Is the A220 the former CRJ built in Canada?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:38

      Yes, one production line is in Canada and the other in the US.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous13:51

      Really? It has nothing to do with CRJ model. Its a clean slate design aircraft, yes, developed by Bombardier and built there, but fully controlled now by Airbus.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous14:00

      Thanks. But how is the A220 now part of the Airbus family, other than the name change? The technology is still from the CRJ days. Or have things changed that much and that fast since Airbus bought them? What was it 2 years ago?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous14:02

      I didn't see 13:51 reply before I wrote the above question. thanks again.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous16:00

      @Anonymous14:00

      Airbus initially supported development of the aicraft with €500 million when Canadian government looked for help, due to delays and all sorts of issues Bombardier sold its program to Airbus I think for €5 billion or something, with aircraft now manufactured in Canada for international markets and US for US market only. A factory was planned in Northern Ireland before brexit, but that was shelved in 2018 by Airbus who took over program that year. There is a plan for EU based factory, if order book exceeds 1000 aicraft soon. And it might. Very popular aicraft that has official range of 6600km but Airbus is thinking adding centreline fuel tank for range extension to 7400km, also many parts are common with Airbus program, including engine options. This is why airbus went for this aicraft.

      Delete
  33. Anonymous13:37

    Sadly, but I don't see this happening, simply as there is no money for it. Much bigger companies and in way better financial state cannot order or acquire 15 planes at once. I understand excitement here as we would like to see this, but let's be realistic.

    The only way for Croatia to survive is Croatian government to do the same as Serbian government did: create new company, keep the debts for taxpayers and start from the scratch with fingers crossed that this time it will be more successful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:00

      I don't see the EU allowing that.

      Delete
  34. mid-africa and greenland are prime un-tapped destination
    glad that OU has such a visionary management

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous15:36

      Ignore the troll.

      Delete
    2. the point is they don't need that reach, especially with gastos / tourist market they are serving

      Delete
    3. Anonymous16:09

      N1 report from A220 presentation at ZAG:

      Istaknuto je kako A220 može povezati Hrvatsku s Europom, Afrikom, Bliskim istokom te istočnom obalom SAD-a.

      US East coast? Not just YYT St. John's Canada shown on the map but all the way down to the US East coast cities like Boston or New York?

      Some say Airbus will be extending A220 range to 4000nm but Croatia Airlines will need even more range to fly ZAG-JFK. Is someone obsessed with flying to NYC?

      Delete
  35. I wonder why nobody has spoken about the feasibility of introducing the a321neo XLR as a potential solution for thin long haul routes. The plane is capable of flying Zg - Toronto and New York.








    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I spoke several times. But I think of how OU could become bigger and better. Those supposed to think of how OU could become bigger and better are thinking of how to continue feeding LH with lower costs. That's why.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous19:46

      You keep forgetting a very important thing: Star Alliance membership......

      https://www.croatiaairlines.com/company/partners-alliances

      Delete
    3. You mean Star Alliance servantship, right?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous21:16

      I don't understand why this should be an issue, it's not like it's owned by LH. Maybe someone has some deeper insight?

      Delete
    5. Anonymous23:27

      Does LH forbid/discourage OU from operating routes that are not feeders to *A hubs? No, because OU flies to many destinations throughtout Europe that are not LH group hubs.

      Delete
    6. Anno 23:27, don't you dare offer any reasoning to this pozdrav iz Čačka guy, he can't handle it. First he argues that getting 15 of these birds is a good thing for OU, next he says OU is talking steps backward. He is a lonely soul poused at trashing and arguing, poor guy.

      Delete
    7. Uhljeb na aparatima. Sve sto nije HDZ je Cacak, a o osobnim uvredama zbog kritike najkorumpiranije kompanije u Hrvatskoj i sire radije ne bi, osobne uvrede govore sve o onome tko ih iznosi, u nedostatku argumenata.

      Delete
  36. Anonymous17:12

    Deal will likely have following components: 8M Airbus deposit will be used for A220. Sale of existing A319/A320 will add funds. State guaranteed commercial loan will be used to finance the rest; or used for sale-and-leaseback deal with some of the leasing companies.

    Calculation will also include lower maintenance fees and lower fuel consumption over existing A319/A320 fleet. At a later stage, probably in 3-7 years, Q400 fleet will be retired and completely replaced with the second part of A220 order for more savings from operating a single-type fleet such as crew training and streamlined scheduling. Government will also need to find some subsidies and funding for the airline, PSO for domestic routes etc.

    However all of this fails if OU is still unable to grow and beat the the competition. For example, Etihad made assumption that Air Serbia would fly twice daily to all regional destinations but that assumption failed flat. I wouldn't bet on A220 equipped OU being able to beat or at least coexist with FR at home base, regain summer market share at the coast, beat JU at regional transfers and get rid of the LH feeder role.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous13:34

    the A220 is the aircraft that larger carriers are talking bout to purchase this yeat.. The config and range mix allows a mix of routes and increased seasonal routes in which Croatia Airlines would want to investigate. As far Ryanair is concerned, it is a different type of passenger who flies them. Croatia tourism is growing from international (non-EU) OD traffic and would like to have a carrier that provides a superior level of experience compared with the 1pound Ryanair.

    For example Zurich would benefit from this type of aircraft as plenty of international passengers would want to connect in ZRH to avoid LHR , FRA, MUC to connect to places like Zadar, Split or Dubro.

    Hope they do.

    ReplyDelete

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