Latvian airline airBaltic took delivery of its 35th Airbus A220-300. The aircraft, registered as YL-ABI, is the third one to be delivered to the company this year. A further five aircraft are expected to be added to the fleet during 2022.
In total, airBaltic ordered fifty units of Airbus’ latest narrow-body model for the short and medium-range market. In addition, it holds options and purchase rights for an additional thirty aircraft. It is one of the main operators of the type.
Thanks to their performance and versatility, both the A220-100 and A220-300 became an attractive and popular choice among operators since they entered the market, in 2016.
One example of this is the aircraft’s use on widely disparate routes. The longest route currently operated by airBaltic is the weekly service between Riga (RIX) and Tenerife-South (TFS). The Latvian capital and the Spanish island are 4.511 kilometers apart. On the other hand, the shortest route connects daily Riga (RIX) with Palanga (PLQ) in Lithuania, 212 kilometers away.
From May 2020, airBaltic operates all of its flights with a single aircraft type, the A220-300. The standardization of the fleet help to optimize resources and reduce operating costs. According to the company, the choice of the model was based on its good overall performance, fuel efficiency and benefits for both crew and the passengers.
The Airbus A220 has a noise footprint four times smaller than other aircraft in the segment. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly on the market: compared to other aircraft of similar performance, its carbon dioxide emissions are 20% lower and its nitrogen oxide emissions are 50% lower.
Another @Airbus A220-300 jet joins our fleet ✈️ We're excited to welcome our 35th aircraft of this type, registered YL-ABI, which is the third of eight planned Airbus deliveries this year! pic.twitter.com/cCSeagltjG
— airBaltic (@airBaltic) May 21, 2022
See also: airBaltic to hire 120 new pilots
