Latvian airline airBaltic is to end its Boeing 737 fleet operations in autumn 2019 by phasing out its final eight of the variant – one year ahead of the original plan.
The carrier said it aims to minimise complexity and benefit from the additional efficiency of the Airbus A220-300 aircraft which will be the only aircraft operated.
In late 2018, airBaltic phased out three of its Boeing 737-500 aircraft. Currently the airline still operates six Boeing 737-300 and two Boeing 737-500 aircraft.
Chief executive officer, Martin Gauss said: “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.”
So far airBaltic has received 14 of its Airbus A220-300 orders and eight new aircraft will join this year. The airline said the Airbus A220-300 has performed beyond company’s expectations, delivering better overall performance, fuel efficiency and convenience for both passengers and staff.
