Croatia Airlines flies first passengers aboard new Airbus A220-300 aircraft
Croatia Airlines’ first new Airbus A220-300 aircraft with a seating capacity of 149 passengers, which arrived in the Republic of Croatia at the end of July, today operated its first domestic flight on the carrier’s regular route OU652 from Zagreb to Split. This flight has additional significance and symbolism as it was operated on the same route that Croatia Airlines operated its first-ever flight on 5 May 1991, establishing regular passenger traffic within Croatia 33 years ago.
At the reception of the aircraft and its first passengers at Split Airport, Jasmin Bajić, President of the Management Board and CEO at Croatia Airlines, stated the following:
– We are very happy and proud to have become members of the Airbus A220 Family, and to now offer our passengers a superior flying experience in new, technologically advanced, more efficient, and environmentally friendly aircraft of the new generation. With the introduction of the first of a total of 15 new A220 aircraft into our fleet, we begin a new chapter in our history, a chapter in which, in line with our business strategy, we will realise our full potential, which is necessary for future growth and development, and will create a solid foundation for sustainable business operations in the future. We are pleased that the passengers of today’s inaugural flight joined the total of 100 million satisfied passengers who have flown aboard Airbus A220 aircraft worldwide.
Lukša Novak, CEO at Split Airport, stated the following:
– Split Airport congratulates Croatia Airlines, both the management and all its employees, on this historic moment of introducing new A220 aircraft into their fleet. Croatia Airlines is our key partner, flying from Split Airport to 22 destinations across Europe, and connecting us year-round with major markets. The new aircraft is more efficient and faster, and produces, which is particularly significant for Split Airport, 50% less noise compared to comparable aircraft. In the future, we look forward to the introduction of even more new destinations, especially during the winter season.
Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated the following:
– Aviation plays an extremely important role in achieving Croatia’s tourism results, and we are pleased that all our airports have been recording a significant increase in traffic this year. We are proud to say that today’s flight is the first of many that will be connecting our cities, and facilitating faster, safer, and more comfortable travel within Croatia and abroad. I believe that, with its new fleet, Croatia Airlines will make great strides in expanding its network of destinations, increasing the number of flights, and improving the overall quality of service.
This first-class flying experience aboard a new generation aircraft is provided to passengers in the year in which Croatia’s flag carrier celebrates its 35th anniversary, and the introduction of the first new Airbus A220 into Croatia Airlines’ fleet marks the beginning of the biggest project in the company’s history – the renewal of the carrier’s entire fleet by 2027.
The beginning of a new business cycle is accompanied by a refreshed visual identity, with the help of which the values of Croatia Airlines will continue to be consistently communicated, alongside an even greater orientation towards passengers and target audiences. The airline’s logo redesign and the new look of the aircraft further accentuate the company’s core messages, which are quality, safety, travel comfort, and hospitality. Likewise, the design of the logomark is now brought closer to the design of the tail of the aircraft, which is what makes Croatia Airlines recognisable.
The delivery of the second aircraft is expected by the end of 2024, the next six are expected to be delivered in 2025, four in 2026, and three aircraft in 2027. In other words, Croatia Airlines’ fleet will total 15 new A220 aircraft, of which 13 will be A220-300 (whose seating capacity is 149 passengers) and two A220-100 (whose seating capacity is 127 passengers). At present, more than 340 Airbus A220 aircraft fly on approximately 1400 routes to over 440 destinations worldwide.
The biggest project in the history of Croatia Airlines will ensure that the airline’s response to specific passenger needs is enhanced, will create the conditions for a more efficient business model, will facilitate the expansion of the airline’s network of destinations, and further confirms the position of Croatia Airlines as a strategically important segment of Croatia’s transport and tourism infrastructure.
To mark its 35th anniversary, on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, on the same date that Croatia’s flag carrier was founded in 1989, Croatia Airlines is offering passengers a 35% discount on both one-way and return tickets for all the domestic and international flights operated by the carrier. The discount will be available only on 7 August for bookings and purchases made online at www.croatiaairlines.com, via the Croatia Airlines app, and at other company points of sale. The discount applies to flights to be taken by 1 August 2025.