Croatia Airlines Expands Modern Fleet With Historic Airbus A220 Delivery
Croatia Airlines has taken delivery of its tenth Airbus A220, marking a milestone in both its fleet modernization strategy and the broader aviation industry. The airline’s newest Airbus A220-300, registered 9A-CAS, arrived at Zagreb Airport on July 29, becoming the first Airbus A220 in the world to be painted in the official Star Alliance livery.
The addition of the aircraft strengthens the carrier’s ongoing transition to an all-Airbus A220 fleet while reinforcing its long-term strategy of improving operational efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience. The delivery also highlights Croatia Airlines’ longstanding relationship with Star Alliance, the global airline network of which it is a member.
Historic Delivery Marks New Chapter for the Airline
The Airbus A220-300 landed at Zagreb Airport shortly after midnight local time following a multi-leg delivery journey from Airbus’ Mirabel production facility near Montreal, Canada.
The aircraft, carrying manufacturer serial number 55465, departed Montreal on July 28 and completed a nonstop flight of nearly eight hours to Copenhagen. After a scheduled stop in the Danish capital, it continued on a final one-hour and 33-minute sector to Zagreb.
Its arrival represents another milestone in Croatia Airlines’ largest fleet renewal initiative to date, as the carrier gradually replaces older aircraft with the next-generation Airbus A220 family.
The latest delivery brings the airline’s A220 fleet to ten aircraft and further advances plans to modernize operations with more fuel-efficient and lower-emission aircraft.
First Airbus A220 to Wear Official Star Alliance Colors
The aircraft’s most distinctive feature is its exterior paint scheme. Aircraft 9A-CAS is the first Airbus A220 anywhere in the world to operate in the official Star Alliance colors, making it a notable addition to both the airline’s fleet and the global aviation industry.
According to current fleet plans, the aircraft is also expected to remain the only Croatia Airlines jet within its future all-A220 fleet to carry the alliance’s special livery.
Croatia Airlines has previously operated aircraft featuring Star Alliance branding, including Airbus A319 aircraft registered 9A-CTI and 9A-CTM, as well as Airbus A320 9A-CTO. The arrival of the new A220 continues that tradition while introducing the alliance’s branding to Airbus’ newest single-aisle aircraft family.
Aircraft Named After Croatia’s Aviation Hub
The new Airbus A220-300 has been named Velika Gorica, recognizing the Croatian city that has become the country’s principal aviation center.
Velika Gorica received the official designation of City of Aviation in 2016 due to its concentration of aviation-related infrastructure and organizations. The city is home to Zagreb Airport, Croatia Control, the Aeronautical Technical Centre, the Aviation Technical School, the University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica, and numerous aviation businesses.
Croatia Airlines was among the organizations that signed the charter recognizing Velika Gorica as the City of Aviation. Naming the aircraft after the city underscores the airline’s close relationship with the community surrounding its primary operating hub.
Fleet Renewal Program Continues Through 2027
Following the arrival of 9A-CAS, Croatia Airlines now operates ten Airbus A220 aircraft as it progresses toward a fully standardized fleet.
The airline plans to introduce a total of 15 Airbus A220 family aircraft, representing the most significant fleet renewal program in its history. The completed fleet will consist of 13 Airbus A220-300s and two Airbus A220-100s, replacing older aircraft with a single aircraft family designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce operating costs, and streamline maintenance while delivering a more consistent onboard experience for passengers.
With ten aircraft now in service, Croatia Airlines has five deliveries remaining under its current order. Three additional Airbus A220 aircraft are expected to join the fleet before the end of 2026, while the final two are scheduled for delivery during 2027.
Despite temporary operational challenges experienced during the transition, the airline has continued to receive aircraft according to its planned modernization timetable.
Strategic Investment in Future Growth
The delivery of Velika Gorica represents more than another fleet addition. It reflects Croatia Airlines’ long-term investment in operational efficiency, sustainability, and fleet standardization while reinforcing its position within the Star Alliance network.
By introducing the world’s first Airbus A220 painted in the official Star Alliance livery, the airline also secures a unique place in commercial aviation history. As additional Airbus A220 aircraft enter service over the next two years, Croatia Airlines is expected to complete its transition to one of Europe’s youngest and most standardized narrow-body fleets, positioning the carrier for improved efficiency and long-term competitiveness in the regional and international aviation markets.
