Croatia Airlines has leased an Airbus A320 jet, bringing its fleet size to thirteen aircraft. The plane, which carries the registration 9A-CTO, is eighteen years old and was formerly utilised by the likes of Vueling, Air Malta and TAP Air Portugal. It becomes the first A320 jet in Croatia Airlines’ fleet to feature sharklets. The wing-tip devices improve the aircraft's aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline's fuel burn and emissions by 4% on longer sectors. The carrier does not plan to retrofit the aircraft, which features TAP cabin interiors, for the time being. The jet boasts 174 seats and is expected to enter into commercial use once it undergoes necessary technical checks.
In a statement to the “AvioRadar” portal, Croatia Airlines said, “The primary purpose of this aircraft will be to serve as a back-up in Croatia Airlines’ fleet in case of any irregularities, that is, to assist during the bridging period until the fleet is renewed. The aircraft is expected to stay part of the fleet over the next two years, that is, until the start of the fleet renewal process. The jet has been leased through a power by the hour arrangement, meaning there are no fixed leasing costs. Rather, payments are made only for the time the aircraft spends in operation, which in these circumstances, when the aviation sector is beginning to return to normal, is an extremely favourable solution compared to other classic leasing arrangements”.
Croatia Airlines’ average fleet age now amounts to just over seventeen years. Its other A320 is the oldest, at 22, followed by the five A319s, with an average age of almost 21 years. Its six Dash 8 Q400s are, on average, thirteen years old. The carrier retired its oldest aircraft, a 23-year-old A320 this January. The company is still undecided over its fleet renewal plans envisaged by its ongoing post-Covid strategy. Under the program, its entire fleet will be replaced, likely by A220 jets. “Potential options with multiple aircraft manufacturers are being considered and possible fleet renewal scenarios are being developed, which will begin when the necessary conditions are created”, the airline said.