DALLAS — airBaltic (BT) has confirmed an incremental order for an additional 10 A220-300s. It is a new and fourth reorder that will see the airline’s total firm order go up to 90 A220 aircraft.

As the largest A220 customer in Europe and the largest A220-300 operator globally, BT already operates a robust fleet of around 50 A220-300 aircraft.  The A220-300 was first flown by the Latvian flag carrier in 2016, hence it has a long history of operation. The airline has only run A220-only aircraft since 2020.

Flying up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km) on flights with up to 150 passengers, the type has the largest cabin, seats, and windows in its class. Airbus boasts that modern aerodynamics, cutting-edge materials, and the most recent GTFTM engines from Pratt & Whitney enable the A220 to deliver a 50% quieter aircraft footprint than prior models and about 40% less NOx emissions than industry norms.

Comments from airBaltic, Airbus

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, said, “For the first time in the company’s history, airBaltic plans to operate a fleet of close to 100 A220-300 aircraft, and these exercised options are the next step in the right direction. Over the years, this aircraft type has proven its operational capabilities and value – it has been the backbone of our operations and has played an integral role in the international success story of airBaltic. By exercising these options, we are strengthening our unwavering support and trust in the A220 Programme and are looking forward to our fleet expansion over the upcoming years.”

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft business, said, “We are honored and thankful that airBaltic is placing its fourth follow-up order. This latest agreement from Latvia’s flag carrier is a strong endorsement of  the superior value and operational opportunities offered by this latest generation aircraft. The A220 is quite simply the most efficient aircraft in its size category, with a spacious cabin driving the best Net Promoter Scores with passengers wherever it is operated, and the range capability to fly non-stop to any destination on the carrier’s current network and beyond.”