Croatia Airlines and Airbus yet to reach deal over A320neo cancellation
Croatia Airlines is yet to finalise the cancellation of its order for four Airbus A320neo aircraft. The first two of the jets were scheduled to arrive in Zagreb this year, while the remaining two were due in 2023. Prior to signalling plans to cancel the order, the carrier deposited over eight million euros for the four jets. The total value of the deal has never been disclosed. The airline commenced negotiations over the termination of the order just prior to the coronavirus pandemic, however, a final agreement is yet to be reached. The outcome of the negotiations with Airbus may be tied in with the airline’s fleet renewal plans, as part of its post-Covid strategy. The company continues to hold talks with different manufacturers over a potential order for up to fifteen aircraft.
Commenting on talks with Airbus, the carrier previously said, “Negotiations concerning the Termination Agreement, which will result in the cancellation of the A320neo order and the use of the deposit for other Airbus services were put on hold due to Covid-19”. 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.
Croatia Airlines is yet to make a final decision on the future make-up of its fleet. Recently, the carrier said, “Croatia Airlines is currently conducting aircraft market research on possible fleet renewal, as envisaged in the post-covid strategy. In this context, 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 met”. The airline had previously said the Airbus A220 would be a “perfect fit” for its future fleet. The Croatian carrier currently boasts a fleet of five A319s, one A320s and six Dash 8 Q400 turboprops.
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