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The Croatian flag carrier Croatia Airlines, and also the member of the Star Alliance, has already taken delivery of its first A220-300 aircraft at the Canadian Airbus Mirabel plant.
The delivery is part of the renewal efforts of the carrier's entire fleet with next-generation aircraft, the largest project in the company's history, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated in the welcoming ceremony of the new Airbus A220-300 "Zagreb" aircraft at Franjo Tuđman Airport.
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In his speech, he thanked those present for their contribution to the major renovation of the Croatia Airlines fleet.
"This is the time when Croatia modernizes its aviation," he said.
15 new Airbus A220-300 airplanes, which will arrive successively over the next three years, have been agreed upon through leasing contracts.
"Half a billion euros for 15 aircraft over 12 years is a great deal, and this kind of arrangement enables Croatia Airlines to have new, modern, comfortable and safe aircraft, which will certainly help them on the market and in relation to the competition," Plenković said.
The aircraft "Zagreb" is the first aircraft delivered to the airline out of 13 A220-300s and two A220-100s on firm orders with Airbus.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković pointed out that this is happening when Croatia Airlines, the Croatian national company, celebrates its 35th anniversary and continued that it is also a symbol of Croatia, part of its branding, identity and our international presence, as well as those actors who contribute to the Croatian economy and the large number of tourist arrivals in Croatia.
He reminded that this year traffic in all airports increased between 10 and 25 percent, and Croatia Airlines, which flies to 35 destinations, contributed to this.
He also recalled the company's moments of crisis, such as the one during covid-19, but the company, together with the Government, found a way to stay on its feet.
"The country that is the 18th tourist destination in the world, which at this moment has passed half of the arrivals and half of the overnight stays compared to the results of last year's tourist season, always has a company that can be relied on," Plenković said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government firmly stands by Croatia Airlines and will continue to do so in the future, and stated that its business data is very positive, recording growth of 3 percent.
"I believe that you will manage the company rationally and responsibly, and the new aircraft will be a source of pride for you, but also for the whole of Croatia, to the satisfaction of all those who will travel with you," he said.
In another development, it was learned that Croatia Airlines is studying the benefits of the upcoming Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which would offer an extended range compared to current narrow body Airbus planes, and eventually open up new markets, however, the carrier believes such developments are in the “distant future”.
CEO of the Croatia Airlines, Jasmin Bajić, recently said,
“In the long-term, aircraft such as A321XLRs may be considered, but that is a possibility in the distant future. However, we will always continue to seek out new opportunities”
Andrej Plenković also reminded that three months ago, the new Rafale multi-purpose combat aircraft were welcomed and that, just as we have a renaissance on the coast and islands, it is also time for a great renaissance of Croatian public aviation.
