(Photo: Matjaž Očko)
Ljubljana, 9 September 2025 – Croatia Airlines today presented its new Airbus A220 aircraft at Ljubljana Airport, underlining both the strategic importance of the Slovenian market and the airline’s largest fleet renewal in history.
The event brought together Slovenian business partners, travel agents and journalists, who were able to see first-hand the latest addition to the national carrier’s fleet.
The presentation coincided with the arrival of the Slovenian national football team in the Slovenian capital aboard the new Airbus A220, a symbolic gesture highlighting regional ties.
Slaven Žabo, Croatia Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, stressed Slovenia’s significance for the company’s network.
“The Slovenian market is very important for us. We are committed to further strengthening and expanding our cooperation with local partners and supporting the Slovenian tourism and business sectors, as well as passengers themselves,” he said.
Croatia Airlines currently operates 16 aircraft, including six Airbus A220-300s with 149 seats. By the end of the year, the fleet will be joined by the first Airbus A220-100, which seats 127 passengers. The full renewal project, scheduled for completion by 2027, will see the airline operating 15 new Airbus A220s.
Žabo added that passengers can expect a first-class flying experience on board the new aircraft, noting that this winter Croatia Airlines plans to operate nearly 10,000 flights and offer more than 1.18 million seats – a year-on-year increase of 21%.
Since the closure of Slovenia’s Adria Airways in 2019, Croatia Airlines has played a key role in maintaining air connectivity for Slovenian passengers.
Alenka Klemen Šink, Manager for Strategic Planning and Development, emphasised the company’s role during the pandemic, when Croatia Airlines assisted in repatriation flights and expanded cooperation with Slovenian travel partners.
“Aviation knows no borders. Our mission is to listen to each market’s needs, and we believe the future lies in human connections and technology. The Airbus A220 is a clear example of this future,” she said.
Martina Strašek, Matej Knaus, Alenka Klemen, Slaven Žabo and Anamarija Jurinjak (Photo: Matjaž Očko)
First Officer Gašper Kralj shared his experience flying the Airbus A220, describing it as the most modern aircraft in its class.
The jet consumes 25% less fuel, emits 25% less CO₂, and has a 50% smaller noise footprint. Passengers benefit from wider seats, more legroom, panoramic windows, Wi-Fi connectivity and personal charging outlets.
“Flying this aircraft is both a challenge and a privilege. It symbolically connects not only Slovenia and Croatia, but also links our countries with Europe and the world,” he added.
Matej Knaus, President of the Association of Slovenian Travel Agencies and CEO of TA Palma, highlighted the importance of strengthening Ljubljana Airport’s connectivity.
“We welcome airlines that uphold the highest safety and environmental standards, and the Airbus A220 embodies exactly that. The new aircraft will ensure comfortable and efficient travel for Slovenians to destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split and Brač, while also boosting the appeal of Slovenia and Croatia for international visitors,” Knaus noted.
Today’s presentation reaffirmed Croatia Airlines’ commitment to Slovenia and its role as a strategic partner. With its new generation of Airbus A220 aircraft, the airline is not only modernising its fleet but also strengthening regional ties and supporting the continued growth of tourism and business links between Croatia, Slovenia and beyond.
