Slaven Žabo: The new Airbus A220 aircraft provide a unique flying experience

There are also plans to further expand the international flight network and gradually increase the number of flights during the summer season.

Author  Goran Rihelj

January 31, 2025

In the year in which Croatia Airlines celebrates its 35th anniversary of establishment and 20th anniversary of membership in the Star Alliance, the largest project in the company's history has also begun - the renewal of the fleet with Airbus A220 aircraft. 

The second of a total of 15 new aircraft, with which the national airline will completely replace the existing fleet by 2027, was ceremonially welcomed in Zagreb in mid-December 2024. Croatia Airlines' newest aircraft has the registration number 9A-CAI and has been named Split. The Airbus A220 aircraft are a new generation and were designed as a completely new product, offering the best performance in terms of efficiency and noise emissions, and a first-class experience for crews and passengers thanks to innovative design and latest-generation technology.

We talk about our experiences so far in using the most modern new generation aircraft with Slaven Žab, Director of Commercial Affairs at Croatia Airlines. 

"Our flight crews emphasize that the A220 provides a unique flying experience and that it is a great pleasure and privilege to fly the most modern aircraft in its class. Pilots have access to top-notch equipment, and the working environment is more spacious and clearer. Cabin crew members have similar impressions, who emphasize that the aircraft is extremely quiet and that it is pleasant to work and stay in an area with reduced noise levels. In addition, Crew Terminal aircraft allows for control of lighting and temperature in the passenger cabin, which enables rapid response to passenger requests. It should be emphasized that the A220 consumes 25 percent less fuel and emits the same amount less carbon dioxide measured per passenger seat compared to previous generation passenger aircraft, and around 40 percent less nitrogen oxides compared to civil aviation standards. It goes without saying how important this is in terms of increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in line with the global goals of carbon neutrality for the aviation industry by 2050", Žabo points out.

From the first flight, which took place on the domestic route Zagreb - Split, until today, Croatia airlines has recorded only positive reactions from passengers, ranging from great satisfaction to complete delight.. “To sum it all up, the A220 has truly proven in practice that, thanks to its innovative design and technology, it offers a first-class experience for crew and passengers. This is also a confirmation of  how we chose the highest quality solution with which we will open a new chapter of business, i.e. that the Airbus A220, with its characteristics, performance and capacity, best fits into our business strategy in the future", emphasizes. 

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For the first time in the company's history, the new aircraft also offer in-flight WI-FI service, which allows passengers to stay connected, work, and use their devices. they are surfing or communicate with family or friends.  

"You need to turn on WI Fi in airplane mode, go to the Croatia Airlines WI FI network and then open the browser with the options offered. Passengers can choose between three WI FI packages, depending on their needs. The package Sky Chat is free and allows you to send messages via the WhatsApp and Messenger applications, with the fact that photos and video content are not included, and is available 10 minutes after the activation of the WI FI service. Option Sky Surf is charged and included withlast message, surfing internet on a smaller scale and access to e-mail and social networks (video content is not included), and is available for 1 hour after activation. Package Sky Premium is also charged, and includes texting, unlimited internet surfing, use of email and social networks, and viewing of short video content, and is available throughout the flight. says Žabo and adds that the novelty i eJournal on the Croatia Airlines mobile application where passengers can access free eNewspapers and enjoy a rich selection of domestic and foreign newspapers and magazines even without an internet connection. 

An additional benefit is that every seat in the new A220 is equipped with a USB-A and USB-C port, as well as holders for smartphones and tablets, which aligns the new aircraft with the needs of the modern generation of passengers and contributes to even greater overall satisfaction with in-flight service.

"It should be noted that we have chosen chargers with a high power of 65 watts, which ensure fast charging of devices. The holders for mobile devices located above the tables on the seats are also a great idea, which is very practical because the devices are fixed and the passengers have them free, which allows for a more leisurely journey," our interlocutor notes.

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Airbus has undoubtedly found the most optimal solution for narrow-body aircraft in the A220. The passenger cabin is wider and more spacious due to the 3+2 seating configuration, the aircraft has the widest seats in its class, and the wider spacing between seats gives passengers more legroom.

"Our service users particularly like the mobility of the headrests, which can be raised and lowered vertically, and the side edges can be rotated to fix the head in a comfortable position. The hand luggage compartments are also the largest in this class, and are designed so that passengers have more space above their heads. The overall spaciousness and brightness of the passenger cabin is further emphasized by the large panoramic windows, which let in more daylight and at the same time provide an excellent view," says the director of commercial affairs of Croatia Airlines, a company that is celebrating a big anniversary refreshed the visual identity.

"The rebranding coincides with the 35th anniversary of the company's founding, which was an additional argument to thank passengers, employees and all stakeholders for their trust. The redesigned logo and the new look of the aircraft further emphasize the company's core messages: quality, safety, travel comfort and hospitality. The elements of the redesign have also been successfully transferred to the interior, with which we want to achieve even better brand recognition and visibility in Europe and the world. concludes Žabo.

After the first two new A220 aircraft entered the fleet, Croatia Airlines expects to take delivery of the next six new A2025 aircraft in 220, four in 2026, and three aircraft in 2027, bringing the fleet to a total of 15 new A220 aircraft, of which 13 will be A220-300s (149-seat capacity) and two A220-100s (127-seat capacity).

Photo: Croatia Airlines

*The article was originally published in the hrturizam newspaper. Would you like to receive the hrturizam newspaper? Become part of the hrturizam family. 

Author  Goran Rihelj

January 31, 2025