airBaltic will launch a new summer seasonal route between Riga and Yekaterinburg from April

Named after Peter the Great’s wife Catherine, the 4th biggest city in Russia – Yekaterinburg – has always been a prosperous place attracting savvy business people and investors, and yet it is a great destination for holiday-makers too!

The Latvian government-funded airline airBaltic will launch a new summer seasonal route between Riga and Yekaterinburg in Russia on April 1, 2020. The new connection will offer more convenient travel options for travellers from the Baltics and Russia to airBaltic network spanning Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East.

Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic: “We are delighted to add Yekaterinburg as the 14th new destination to our summer 2020 route map. Every year more than half of all passengers from Russia are choosing Riga as transfer hub to over 70 destinations in Europe, Scandinavia, the CIS and the Middle East served by airBaltic. By launching flights from Riga to Yekaterinburg, we are offering one additional gateway between Europe and Russia and vice versa.”

The first Airbus A220-300 for Air Canada takes to the skies.

The first A220-300 (formally known as the Bombardier CSeries CS300) for Air Canada has successfully completed its inaugural test flight from the Mirabel A220 final assembly line in Canada. The first of 45 aircraft for Air Canada is scheduled to be delivered to the Montreal-based airline in the coming weeks.

With its first A220 commercial flight in early 2020, Canada’s flag carrier will become the first airline in Canada to operate the Canadian-designed and -built A220. It will also become the first carrier in North America to fly the A220-300 variant.

Air Canada’s first A220-300 takes to the skies

The first A220-300 for Air Canada has successfully completed its inaugural test flight from the Mirabel A220 final assembly line in Canada. The first of 45 aircraft for Air Canada is scheduled to be delivered to the Montreal-based airline in the coming weeks.

With its first A220 commercial flight in early 2020, Canada’s flag carrier will become the first airline in Canada to operate the Canadian-designed and -built A220. It will also become the first carrier in North America to fly the A220-300 variant.

airBaltic gets its 21st Airbus A220-300 and the 100th A220 aircraft ever made

airBaltic in Canada celebrates its 21st Airbus A220-300, the 100th A220n a new livery

Executives of the Latvian government backed airline airBaltic have been in Mirabel, Canada over the last couple of days to celebrate the delivery of the firms 21st Airbus A220-300 jet.

The aircraft registered YL-AAU is the first to feature a new and allegedly 'improved' livery which from now on will be deployed on all the company's new aircraft. Apparently, the greener tails is supposed to emphasise airBaltic's commitment to becoming a more sustainable airline with one of the greenest fleets. 

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “We are truly proud to be the launch operator of the Airbus A220-300 aircraft which, being an integral part of airBaltic’s fleet over the last three years has demonstrated an outstanding performance. To introduce this aircraft was a forward-thinking decision that has most certainly paid off as A220 family aircraft are not only considerably more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, but also more convenient for both passengers and staff. The vision of an all-Airbus A220 fleet by 2023 is the backbone of airBaltic’s Destination 2025 business plan and the celebration of our 21st A220-300 aircraft from the newest order marks another step towards the set aim.”

Chorus Aviation expands leasing portfolio with new aircraft type and customer

Chorus Aviation announced this week that Chorus Aviation Capital ('CAC') has entered into a sale-leaseback agreement with airBaltic of Latvia to acquire five new Airbus A220-300 aircraft marking the addition of this new aircraft type to the CAC product offering.

This transaction brings its customer base to 15 airlines on six continents. Two deliveries are anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2019 with the balance to be completed by the end of the third quarter in 2020.

"We are very pleased to welcome Latvia's flag carrier, airBaltic to our family of airlines, and to introduce the Airbus A220 aircraft to our product offering," said Steve Ridolfi, President, Chorus Aviation Capital. "To date, we've grown our leasing portfolio to 601 aircraft acquired at approximately US $1.3 billion with approximately US $925.0 million in future contract lease revenue. The pipeline of opportunities remains strong."  

airBaltic Receives its 20th Airbus A220-300 and wants a US connection.

The Latvian airline airBaltic welcomed its 20th Airbus A220-300 on September 21, 2019, in Riga. The aircraft, with the registration YL-AAT, is the last one from airBaltic's original order. 

By the end of this year, the carrier expects to have 22 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with those last two coming from a second order it made back in May last year for 30 aircraft and options for 30 more. 

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “We are delighted to receive our 20th aircraft and finalize the first order. The decision to order the aircraft in 2012 and then become the launch operator of the most modern jet aircraft the Airbus A220-300, was a successful one and we have benefited from it greatly. airBaltic is now on a stable growth path because we have made many important steps for our further development, and our fleet modernization has been one of them. In the future, our fleet will consist only of Airbus A220-300 aircraft and will be one of our strengths and competitive advantages.”

First EgyptAir A220-300 makes maiden flight

Photo RAPHAEL JOLICOEUR

The first A220-300 for EgyptAir has successfully completed its inaugural test flight from the Mirabel assembly line. 

The first of 12 aircraft EgyptAir has on order is due to be delivered to the Cairo-based airline in the coming weeks.

The A220 for EgyptAir will provide passengers with superior comfort, its innovative cabin design featuring the widest economy seats of any single-aisle aircraft, and panoramic windows for more natural light. The aircraft, which is outfitted with a brand new cabin layout of 134 seats, will now enter its final phase of completion before delivery.

Airbus A220 seized in South Africa over Tanzanian legal battle.

The South African authorities impounded an Airbus A220-300 aircraft leased by Tanzania’s national flag carrier following a court application by a retired farmer who is owed compensation by the Tanzanian government, the farmer’s lawyer said.

The plane had been scheduled to fly from the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Friday, reports news agency Reuters, but was seized on an order issued by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, Tanzania’s transport ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Air Canada to put new A220-300 on Toronto - San Jose, California new route.

It's been confirmed by Air Canda that it will start two new routes with its Airbus A220-300 aircraft,  one from Montreal to Seattle and Toronto to San Jose.

Toronto-San Jose

The only year-round, daily service to San Jose from Toronto starts May 4, 2020, complementing existing services from Vancouver to San Jose.

Flights are timed so customers can connect through Toronto on Air Canada's wide-ranging domestic network, allowing easy connections to another Silicon Valley city.

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Days of Week
AC 765	Toronto 08:55	San Jose 11:28	Daily
AC 766	San Jose 12:15	Toronto 20:10	Daily

Viasat to power JetBlue's A220-300 fleet internet connections

Viasat's In-Flight Connectivity System Selected to Power JetBlue's Fly-Fi® Internet Service Across the Airline's New Airbus A220-300 Fleet

               Viasat Inc, a global communications company has confirmed it has been selected by the US budget carrier JetBlue to provide in-flight connectivity (IFC) system for the airline's new fleet of 70 Airbus A220-300 aircraft – for delivery beginning in 2020, with the option for 50 additional aircraft.

JetBlue and Viasat have maintained a long-lasting partnership, first launching the Viasat-powered Fly-Fi in-flight Wi-Fi service in December 2013. Since the initial introduction, the two companies have received numerous accolades for bringing free, high-speed, high-quality in-flight Wi-Fi to every seat onboard, with JetBlue being further recognized as the only airline to offer free, fast and full in-flight Wi-Fi capabilities—from streaming, web browsing and more—across the airline's entire fleet.

Airbus A220 embarks on demonstration tour across Asia

An Airbus A220-300 flight test aircraft will visit six Asian destinations as part of a demonstration tour across the region. After a stopover at Seoul’s Incheon Airport, the aircraft heads to Yangon (Myanmar), the first location of the demonstration tour. The aircraft will then visit Hanoi (Vietnam), Bangkok (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) before heading north to Nagoya (Japan).

The A220 is the most modern aircraft in the 100-150 seat market. It delivers unbeatable efficiency and passenger comfort in its size category, with 20% lower fuel consumption than previous generation aircraft. The A220 being used for the demonstration tour in Asia is an Airbus flight test aircraft fitted with a typical single-class passenger cabin.

Evolution of the Air France-KLM fleet - Orders for 60 Airbus A220-300s while A380's to be phase out earlier.

Evolution of the Air France-KLM fleet 

Big moves ahead for the entire fleet of Air France-KLM fleet as its board of directors have given approval for several strategic decisions concerning the development of the Air France fleet, following a meeting on July 30, 2019.

These decisions reflect the Group's focus on simplification. Making the fleet more competitive, by continuing its transformation with more modern, high-performance aircraft with a significantly reduced environmental footprint is key to achieving leading industry margins.

Firm order for 60 A220-300s, with 30 options and 30 acquisition rights, which will gradually replace Air France's A318 and A319 fleet
Retirement of the 10 A380s from the Air France fleet by 2022, and study of the
replacement of A380s by new generation aircraft

GECAS and David Neeleman agree to a Letter of Intent for Nine A220-300 aircraft

GECAS and David Neeleman’s new airline, codenamed ‘Moxy’, have agreed to a Letter of Intent for the purchase and leaseback of nine A220-300 aircraft with deliveries scheduled in 2021 and 2022.

Mr Neeleman is a veteran airline entrepreneur, with a world-renowned track record of success: he is the founder of both JetBlue and Azul Brazilian Airlines, and the controlling investor in the consortium which has turned around the fortunes of TAP Air Portugal. Mr Neeleman’s latest startup airline will be based in the United States and will focus on getting travellers where they want to go, quickly, conveniently and inexpensively.

air Baltic welcomes 18th A220 and introduces new pre-order menu

Image airBaltic

The Latvian Government backed airline, airBaltic has introduced a new meal pre-order menu which offers a variety of over 70 different fresh meals that passengers can order up to 24 hours prior to their flight departs. 

Zane Pabērza, airBaltic Inflight Services Manager: “Chefs from all three Baltic states have carefully prepared seven new dishes and thoroughly upgraded 11 of the most popular existing meals. The new menu caters to the needs of all airBaltic passengers, offering a larger variety of dietary and special meals as well as dedicated meals to passengers travelling with children.”

airBaltic offers an extensive meal pre-order system with more than 70 fresh dishes available up to 24 hours before departure. In addition, eight most popular meal options are available during online check-in up to an hour before departure from Riga. airBaltic offers dietary and special meals for different dietary and religious requirements, including gluten-free, low calorie, diabetic, low cholesterol, raw, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The 12,000th Airbus aircraft

Airbus celebrates the delivery of its 12,000th aircraft – an A220-100 to Delta Air Lines.

Photo Airbus

Airbus celebrated the delivery of its 12,000th aircraft ever in its 50-year history. The aircraft was an A220-100, assembled in Mirabel, Canada and handed over to U.S.-based Delta Air Lines on Monday 20th May.

The aircraft is the 12th A220 delivered to date to Delta Air Lines since the carrier received its first A220 in October 2018. The A220 started scheduled service with Delta in February 2019. Delta is the first U.S. airline to operate the A220 and is the largest A220 customer, with a firm order for 90 aircraft.

Riga - Dublin route launched from airBaltic and gets its 16th A220 aircraft

Another new route for the Latvian government supported airline airBaltic was launched today, on March 31, 2019 from Riga to Dublin.

The new flight will be operated on the carriers Airbus A220-300 aircraft and will go head to head with a service from budget carrier Ryanair.  The airBalticservicee will operate four times each week, with fares starting as low as €39 one way. 

Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic, Martin Gauss said: "We are happy to start our summer season schedule by launching a long-awaited and highly demanded connection between Riga and Dublin. Now travellers between the two cities will have a great flying experience with very attractive prices in economy or our full-service business class on the new Airbus A220-300 aircraft."

Air Vanuatu selects Airbus A220 for major fleet expansion

A major aircraft decision for the national flag carrier of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu

Air Vanuatu has signed a firm order with the European plane-maker Airbus for four A220s (two A220-100s and two A220-300s). This is Air Vanuatu’s first ever order with Airbus makes it the launch customer of the A220 in the Pacific region.

Based at Bauerfield International Airport in the capital Port Vila, Air Vanuatu operates to 26 domestic airports and internationally to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. It began services in 1987 and has played a vital role in establishing Vanuatu as a tourist and investment destination. Currently, the airline operates a Boeing 737 and ATR 72 fleet.

airBaltic to end 737 operations a year ahead of schedule

The Latvian government-backed airline airBaltic has confirmed it will call time on its Boeing 737 operations ahead of schedule.

The firm says its Boeing 737 fleet will be withdrawn from scheduled operation in the autumn of 2019, that is 12 months ahead of the firm's original plan. Towards the end of 2018, airBaltic phased out three of its Boeing 737-500 aircraft and currently operates six Boeing 737-300 and two Boeing 737-500 jets.

The airline says it wants to minimise fleet complexity as well as take full advantage of the additional efficiencies of operating a single type jet fleet will achieve.  Once all the older 737's are removed from operations airBaltic will be left with Bombardier Q400 turboprops while the jet of choice with will be Airbus A220-300.  

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “Airbus A220-300 is the aircraft of our future and, by phasing out the Boeing 737, we will have the youngest jet fleet in Europe. The introduction of Airbus A220-300 has been very successful and provided the additional efficiency any airline is seeking in the highly competitive aviation market. Thanks to the good overall performance we took a decision to introduce a single type fleet of up to 80 (50 firm order and 30 options) Airbus A220-300 aircraft by 2022.”

Summer 2019 is hotting up for airBaltic

The summer is already hotting up for Latvian airline airBaltic, who in cooperation with the international tour operator Tez Tour Latvija has published its enhanced charter programme for the forthcoming summer season.

Staring in late April the firms will offer regular charter flights to a selection of five sunny leisure destinations. Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “When it comes down to summer holiday destinations, it is essential for airlines to have an offer in place several months before the season starts. We are delighted to continue our successful cooperation with Tez Tour Latvija and increase the number of direct charter flights from Riga to different holiday destinations.”

airBaltic to start charter flights to Corfu

Photo airBaltic

The Government owned and financed Latvian carrier, airBaltic in cooperation with the international tour operator Mouzenidis Travel has announced that it will operate weekly charter flights to the beautiful and sunny Greek island of Corfu. 

Wolfgang Reuss, SVP Network Management of airBaltic: “We are excited to start cooperation with a new professional partner Mouzenidis Travel, further enhancing the variety of direct flights to sunny leisure destinations available to the Latvian passengers.”