New Croatia Airlines Airbus A220 arrives with an international first for Star Alliance

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

ZAGREB, 29 July 2026 – Croatia Airlines has welcomed its tenth Airbus A220 aircraft, marking another important step in the Croatian national carrier’s largest fleet renewal programme in its history.

The new Airbus A220-300, registered 9A-CAS and named Velika Gorica, arrived in Zagreb directly from Airbus’ facility in Mirabel, Canada. It is the first Airbus A220 aircraft in the world to feature the visual identity of Star Alliance, the global airline alliance of which Croatia Airlines has been a member for more than two decades.

The aircraft has 149 passenger seats and is the third of seven new Airbus A220 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to Croatia Airlines during 2026.

Croatia Airlines CEO Jasmin Bajić said the arrival represents another milestone in the company’s transformation and fleet modernisation programme.

“Nova generacija zrakoplova Airbus A220 okosnica je razvoja Croatia Airlinesa koja omogućuje da putnicima ponudimo još višu razinu udobnosti i kvalitete usluge, uz istodobno povećanje učinkovitosti i održivosti poslovanja,” Bajić said.

The airline said the introduction of the new-generation aircraft will contribute to improved passenger comfort, greater operational efficiency and more sustainable operations, while supporting Croatia’s tourism and wider economy.

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

Renato Ramos, Star Alliance Vice President for Corporate Strategy, congratulated Croatia Airlines on receiving the first Airbus A220 featuring the alliance’s visual identity.

He said the aircraft represents more than branding, describing it as a symbol of cooperation, global connectivity and the continued partnership between Croatia Airlines and Star Alliance.

Johan Pelissier, President of Airbus Europe, also highlighted the delivery as an important moment in the partnership with Croatia Airlines, adding that the A220 supports the airline’s fleet renewal and international network development.

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

As part of the ongoing fleet renewal project, Croatia Airlines has so far received eight Airbus A220-300 aircraft with 149 seats and two Airbus A220-100 aircraft with 127 seats.

A further four Airbus A220-300 aircraft are expected to join the fleet by the end of 2026, while the complete fleet renewal programme is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

Once completed, Croatia Airlines’ fleet will consist of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft, including 13 A220-300 and two A220-100 models.

(Photo: Croatia Airlines)

The fleet renewal project is aimed at replacing the airline’s existing aircraft with a modern, more efficient fleet and strengthening Croatia Airlines’ position within the global aviation network through its membership of Star Alliance.