airBaltic Resumes All Airbus A220 Operations for Winter 2024
airBaltic (BT), the Latvian airline based in Riga, has announced the resumption of all-in-house operations using its A220-300 fleet, marking the end of its reliance on wet-leased aircraft for the upcoming Winter 2024/25 season. This strategic move highlights airBaltic’s commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience while focusing on its modern fleet of aircraft, reported ch-aviation.com.
President and CEO Martin Gauss emphasized the airline’s adaptability over the past summer, stating, “Our first priority is always to deliver the best customer experience by focusing solely on our A220-300 fleet. With sufficient aircraft availability, we’re committed to expanding and strengthening our fleet to support the growing demand for air travel from our passengers.” This commitment to in-house operations aligns with airBaltic’s vision to enhance customer service while managing operational efficiency.
Currently, airBaltic operates a fleet of forty-eight A220-300s, with an additional 42 aircraft on firm order from Airbus. The airline expects its next delivery “soon,” which will further bolster its capabilities as travel demand increases. The transition to an all-A220 operation comes after airBaltic faced significant challenges during the previous summer season, primarily due to issues with Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, which necessitated multiple wet leases to maintain operational integrity.
According to the ch-aviation.com fleets module, ten of airBaltic’s A220 aircraft are currently inactive. Gauss noted that while the operational situation had improved compared to 2023—when airBaltic had to wet-lease up to 14 aircraft—it still required some supplemental ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) arrangements. As of October 2024, the airline had contracted six supplemental aircraft, which included three A319-100s (two from Carpatair and one from Avion Express) and three A320-200s (two from Heston Airlines and one from Avion Express). All contracted aircraft concluded operations for airBaltic on October 26, 2024.
In addition to strengthening its operational capabilities, airBaltic continues to explore opportunities for wet-leasing its own A220 aircraft to other airlines. Currently, sixteen of its A220s are in service with various Lufthansa Group carriers, including seven with Swiss, five with Eurowings, and four with Lufthansa. This collaboration not only enhances airBaltic’s visibility in the European market but also contributes to its operational flexibility.
The return to all-A220 operations is a significant milestone for airBaltic as it aims to streamline its services and optimize performance. The A220-300 is renowned for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and operational versatility, making it an ideal choice for the airline’s regional and international routes. By focusing solely on this aircraft type, airBaltic aims to enhance its competitive edge while providing passengers with a consistent and high-quality travel experience.
In conclusion, airBaltic’s decision to resume all-in-house operations with its A220-300 fleet marks a proactive step towards greater operational autonomy and improved customer service. As the airline prepares for the Winter 2024/25 season, it remains committed to expanding its fleet and adapting to the evolving needs of air travelers in the region. This strategic approach positions airBaltic to meet the increasing demand for air travel while maintaining high standards of service and reliability.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com