PHOTOS: Croatia Airlines marks anniversary at gala event

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Croatia Airlines marked the 35th anniversary since its foundation on August 7, 1989 last Friday with a gala dinner at its hangar at Zagreb Airport. The centrepiece of the night was its new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which was on display and used as the backdrop for an audio-visual show. Guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner and were also treated to a fashion show showcasing the airline’s crew uniforms.

Speaking at the event, Croatia Airlines’ CEO, Jasmin Bajić, said, “Believing in the strength of our wings and the expertise of our employees, and with the support of our owner, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, over the past 35 years, every mile has taken us a mile further, and by carefully planning and listening to the needs and demands of the market and our passengers, we have strengthened our presence around the world". Mr Bajić added, “With the introduction of the new Airbus A220 aircraft, which can accommodate 149 and 127 passengers, we are better positioned to meet the specific needs of our passengers while optimizing our business model. This will not only create additional opportunities but also support the gradual expansion of our flight network. The first A220 joined our fleet at the end of July, and we expect the second aircraft to arrive by the end of this year. Looking ahead, six more are scheduled for delivery in 2025, followed by four in 2026, and three in 2027. By then, our fleet will consist of fifteen new A220 aircraft, unified under a single type, and ready to embrace the new challenges ahead”.

Theo Panagiotoulias, the Executive Director of Star Alliance, noted, “This year holds special significance for the company as we celebrate 20 years of being a proud member of the Star Alliance family. Croatia Airlines continues to play a key role in expanding the offerings of our alliance. A big congratulations to all the teams—whether at the airport, in the company headquarters, or in the skies. On behalf of our colleagues from Star Alliance and member airlines worldwide, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to Croatia Airlines".

Christian Scherer, the CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft division, said, “We are proud that Croatia Airlines has selected the A220 for its fleet renewal. This aircraft's exceptional versatility and flexibility, along with its modern and comfortable passenger cabin, make it the ideal choice for airlines operating both regional and international routes, while also enabling the launch of new destinations. We congratulate Croatia Airlines on its anniversary and look forward to supporting its continued success and growth in the years ahead”.

The Croatian Minister for Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, reiterated the government’s commitment to Croatia Airlines as its shareholder and the company’s importance to the country’s tourism industry and economy.