Lufthansa Group and airBaltic Sign Wet-Lease Dealfor 21 A220-300s

Lufthansa Group has entered into a strategic three-year wet-lease agreement with airBaltic (BT), which will involve up to twenty-one A220-300 aircraft during the summer seasons and up to five aircraft in winter. This partnership is set to begin in the Summer 2025 season, enabling Lufthansa Group to adapt more effectively to changing demand and expand its seasonal route offerings, reported ch-aviation.com.

The agreement allows Lufthansa Group to enhance its operational flexibility and respond to high-demand destinations more efficiently. “With the additional capacities of airBaltic, destinations in high demand in the route networks can be served even more flexibly in future. At the same time, this will strengthen the quality of connections to Lufthansa Group’s intercontinental services at the group’s hubs,” the company stated.

While specific details about the deployment of the wet-leased A220s have not been disclosed, Lufthansa Group mentioned that the aircraft would be based “at various hubs.” However, Brussels Airlines (SN, Brussels National) has confirmed that four of the A220-300s will be stationed at Brussels National during the Summer 2025 season, reflecting the airline’s commitment to enhancing its route network.

airBaltic is actively expanding its operations and recently launched recruitment efforts for new bases at Brussels, Munich, and Vienna airports. The Latvian flag carrier currently operates a fleet of forty-eight A220-300s, with an additional forty-two on firm order from Airbus. This fleet expansion aligns with airBaltic’s strategy to tap into the ACMI market while continuing its scheduled operations from Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn Lennart Meri.

Since 2019, airBaltic has collaborated with Lufthansa Group, providing aircraft for various airlines within the group. Currently, the carrier operates five aircraft for Eurowings, four for Lufthansa, and eight for Swiss, showcasing its versatility and reliability as a partner in the ACMI market.

The newly established wet-lease agreement is part of Lufthansa Group’s broader reorganization and AOC simplification initiative. The group has expressed intentions to form long-term strategic ACMI partnerships with third-party carriers to bolster its operational capabilities and streamline its fleet management. This approach not only supports efficient resource allocation but also enhances service offerings across its network.

As the airline industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Lufthansa Group and airBaltic are increasingly vital for responding to market demands and improving connectivity. By leveraging the strengths of both carriers, the partnership aims to provide enhanced services to passengers while maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

With this agreement, Lufthansa Group is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of its customers, particularly in the competitive European market. The addition of airBaltic’s A220-300s will allow for a more dynamic approach to route management and customer service, ultimately benefiting travelers across the network.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, Lufthansa Group