airBaltic Receives 51st Airbus A220-300 in Riga: Fleet Expansion
airBaltic Expands A220-300 Fleet with 51st Aircraft Delivery
Latvian carrier airBaltic has received its 51st Airbus A220-300 aircraft, strengthening its commitment to fleet standardization and operational efficiency. The jet, registered as YL-BTA, completed its delivery flight from Mirabel, Canada on December 1, 2025, covering 6,342 kilometers in seven hours and 47 minutes before touching down in Riga at 09:08 local time.
This delivery represents the second A220-300 addition to airBaltic’s fleet in 2025 and underscores the airline’s strategic focus on single-aircraft-type operations. Since May 2020, airBaltic has operated exclusively with the Airbus A220-300, a decision that has delivered measurable competitive advantages.
“The A220-300 has performed beyond our expectations,” airBaltic stated, highlighting the aircraft’s superior fuel efficiency and operational reliability. The aircraft offers passengers tangible comfort improvements, including wider seats, enlarged windows, expanded hand luggage capacity, and modernized lavatories. The cabin experience is further enhanced by significantly reduced noise levels—approximately 50% quieter than previous-generation aircraft.
From an environmental perspective, the A220-300 delivers substantial sustainability benefits. The aircraft reduces CO2 emissions by 25% and NOX emissions by 50% compared to older generation aircraft and industry standards, positioning airBaltic as a leader in regional aviation sustainability.
The airline is progressively modernizing its fleet with advanced connectivity solutions. airBaltic is gradually equipping its A220-300 aircraft with SpaceX Starlink free internet service, with plans to achieve full fleet connectivity by year-end 2025. The airline initiated in-flight internet service during a launch event at Riga Airport in February 2025.
This delivery demonstrates airBaltic’s confidence in the A220-300 platform and reinforces its strategy of leveraging modern, efficient aircraft to enhance competitive positioning in European regional markets.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764684046443-1061