Croatia Airline starts A320neo preparation

Croatia Airlines has begun preparations for the delivery of its first of four Airbus A320neo aircraft in three years time. The airline's aircraft technicians have begun training for servicing the two engine types used on the jet, the first being the Pratt&Whitney PurePower PW1100G-JM engines and the other the CFM International - LEAP-1A engines. Following the completion of the training process and assessments towards the end of the year, the Croatian carrier will undertake certification procedures in order to carry out line and base maintenance on the aircraft type. This will also enable the airline to maintain aircraft of the same type operated by other carriers.

The first two A320neos are scheduled to arrive in Zagreb in 2022, while the other two are due a year later. Croatia Airlines successfully converted a 2008 order for four A319s to the neos in 2015. Although the new aircraft were originally to be delivered by the end of 2013, their arrival was put on hold and the deal was renegotiated. The carrier put off the arrival of the jets due to the company's financial situation at the time. The A320neo aircraft are designed to operate quieter with lower operating costs. Croatia Airlines has made some ten million dollars in advanced payments for the jets. "These A320neos are part of the package that has to be resolved with a future strategic partner", the carrier's CEO, Jasmin Bajić, said recently.

Neither Airbus nor Croatia Airlines have disclosed the exact cost of the aircraft, however, the four jets were valued at 424.8 million US dollars at list price at the time. Airbus' Vice President for Sales in Europe and Central Asia, Kimon Sotiropoulos, previously said, "These jets will give Croatia Airlines access to the most modern aircraft and extend the partnership between both companies well into the next decade". The Croatian carrier currently boasts a fleet of four A319s, two A320s and six Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprops. The latter's operating lease agreement was recently extended. In addition, the airline has been wet-leasing two CRJ1000 aircraft from Spain's Air Nostrum over the summer season for three years running.

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