First Airbus A220 Hull Loss After airBaltic Fire

The first confirmed hull loss of an Airbus A220 has been recorded after an airBaltic aircraft was destroyed by a ground fire during maintenance, marking a rare setback for the type’s otherwise strong safety record.

The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, at Riga Airport, involving an Airbus A220-300 registered YL-AAO. The aircraft, named Jelgava, was the first A220 delivered to airBaltic and had been in storage since September 2024 before undergoing heavy maintenance in preparation for a return to service.

During a routine post-maintenance procedure, engineers conducted a ground test of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU). During this process, a fire broke out in the center fuselage area, causing significant thermal damage to the wing root and surrounding structure.

Investigations later identified the source of the fire as the ozone filter, a component of the aircraft’s environmental control system designed to convert ozone into oxygen and improve cabin air quality. Despite adherence to maintenance procedures, the resulting damage was extensive.

Following the incident, the aircraft remained grounded in Riga for several months while inspections were carried out by Airbus engineers and insurance assessors. In December 2025, Airbus concluded that the aircraft was beyond economic repair, leading to its classification as a hull loss and permanent removal from service.

At the time of the incident, the aircraft was just over six years old, having been delivered in March 2019. It was powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G series engines and configured with 148 seats in a single-class layout.

The loss of YL-AAO represents the first time an Airbus A220 has been written off due to damage since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2016. The A220 program has otherwise maintained a strong safety record, with no previous hull losses recorded.

While there have been isolated incidents involving the aircraft type, including engine-related events and ground accidents, none had previously resulted in the total loss of an airframe.

airBaltic, one of the largest operators of the A220, continues to rely heavily on the type, with more than 50 aircraft in its fleet. Globally, the A220 remains a key part of fleet modernization strategies for several airlines, valued for its fuel efficiency and performance on short- and medium-haul routes.

The incident underscores the importance of maintenance safety procedures while also highlighting the resilience of the A220 program, which continues to maintain a strong overall operational record despite this first hull loss.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aerospaceglobalnews.com