Croatia Airlines, the Croatian flag carrier and Star Alliance member, and Airbus S.A.S. today presented a new renegotiated deal for the delivery of four new A320neo aircraft. According to the Annex 5 to the original contract, signed by Croatia Airlines President& CEO Krešimir Kučko and Airbus Senior Vice President Contracts Christophe Mourey, the first two aircraft should be delivered in year 2021, followed by two in the year after.
After long negotiations the Croatian flag carrier converted the initial order of four A319 ceo aircraft, which should have been completed by 2013 but was several times delayed by former Management Board, to four A320 NEOs, newly-announced aircraft designed to operate quieter with lower operating costs. These technologically advanced aircraft with more capacity will be delivered at approximately the same price as the original order dated back to 2008.
Croatia Airlines is very pleased with this latest Amendment with the Agreement that will allow us to renew our fleet with four new aircraft, by one of the world’s most prestigious aircraft manufacturers. The negotiations with Airbus, who showed great understanding, took more than two years but we have concluded them in a mutually satisfactory manner. The delay in the 2013 of the initial order, was inevitable due to the company’s demanding restructuring programme. As the restructuring process is successfully coming to its end, Croatia Airlines can turn back to growth, primarily through expansion of fleet, new flights and destinations, already in 2016 with introduction of two 100 seaters followed by four more in the years to come.
We are very glad that we have come to an agreement with Airbus that fits perfectly with our ambitious future business plan, said Krešimir Kučko, Croatia Airlines President & CEO.
The Airbus A320neo (new engine option) is an advanced-technology aircraft with reduced fuel consumption and fewer emissions as well as increased maximum range.
Airbus is pleased that Croatia Airlines has become the latest customer for the A320neo. It will give Croatia Airlines access to the most modern aircraft and extend the partnership between both companies well into the next decade, said Kimon Sotiropoulos, Vice President Central and Northern Europe.
Croatia Airlines’ fleet consists of twelve aircraft: four A319 Airbuses, two 320 Airbuses and six turboprop Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.