Croatia Airlines adds new Airbus A220 “Pula” to fleet

(Photo: Šime Lugarov)

Croatia’s national carrier, Croatia Airlines, has welcomed its eighth new Airbus A220-100 aircraft, marking another milestone in the airline’s largest investment project to date, the complete renewal of its fleet.

The latest aircraft arrived in Zagreb on Friday after flying directly from the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada. Registered 9A-CAQ, the aircraft has been named Pula, continuing the airline’s tradition of naming planes after Croatian cities.

With a capacity of 127 seats, the new jet further strengthens the airline’s operational capabilities as it prepares for the busy summer season.

Croatia Airlines will now enter the upcoming summer schedule with eight Airbus A220 aircraft in its fleet. The modern jets will operate across the airline’s network of 55 regular international routes, improving efficiency and passenger comfort.

(Photo: Šime Lugarov)

According to Croatia Airlines CEO Jasmin Bajić, the arrival of each new aircraft represents an important step in the company’s long-term development.

“Every new aircraft is a special moment for us as it represents tangible progress in renewing our fleet and developing the company,” Bajić said. “With eight new aircraft in the fleet, we are entering the summer season operationally stronger. The modern and efficient Airbus A220 aircraft allow us to further expand our international route network, improve the quality of service for passengers and ensure the long-term sustainable and competitive growth of the national airline.”

Advanced aircraft for demanding airports

The aircraft was delivered to Croatia by Captain Davor Mišić, Director of Flight Operations, together with Captain Zoran Viljac.

Mišić highlighted the advanced technology of the aircraft, noting that the A220 offers a significantly different flying experience for pilots.

Thanks to its performance and equipment, the A220-100 is particularly well suited for operations in challenging conditions and at demanding airports, including destinations such as London City Airport and Florence Airport.

He also noted that the aircraft has one of the highest seating capacities among planes operating at these airports, further enhancing operational efficiency.

(Photo: Šime Lugarov)

Largest project in the airline’s history

The fleet renewal programme represents the largest investment in the 37-year history of Croatia Airlines.

So far, the airline has received:

• Six Airbus A220-300 aircraft, each with 149 seats

• Two Airbus A220-100 aircraft, each with 127 seats

By the end of 2026, the airline expects to receive six additional A220-300 aircraft.

The full fleet modernisation project is scheduled for completion in 2027, when Croatia Airlines will operate 15 Airbus A220 aircraft in total — 13 A220-300s and two A220-100s.

Once completed, the new fleet is expected to significantly enhance the airline’s operational efficiency, passenger experience and environmental performance, while strengthening Croatia’s connectivity with key international markets.

The modernisation also supports the continued growth of Croatian tourism and the wider economy, ensuring the national carrier remains competitive in the European aviation sector.