The dream to operate the Airbus A220 for Czech Airlines is still alive, after signing a lease with Air Lease Corporation.
Four Airbus A220-300s will be placed by Air Lease Corporation to Czech Airlines.
All four aircraft are scheduled to deliver to the European airline in 2024 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.
Czech Airlines’ fleet has shrunk over the years, with the airline having only two active Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its fleet at the moment, with the airline withdrawing most of its ATR and Airbus fleet.
At the last time of ordering, Czech Airlines put in for some Airbus A321XLR and Airbus A220-300 in October 2019.
It seems the past few years have not been kind to the airline, with it falling into insolvency and retiring much of its fleet at that point. However, with a restructuring and new funding, things are starting to turn around for the airline.
In Quotes
Steven Udvar-Házy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, said:
“We are pleased to announce this lease placement for four new Airbus A220 aircraft with Czech Airlines,”
“As the first to introduce the A220 to the airline, ALC looks forward to working with Czech Airlines long-term to modernize and enhance the airline’s fleet with the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient new aircraft.”
Petr Kudela, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Czech Airlines, added:
“These ALC A220s will greatly enhance our airline’s operational strength as we modernize our fleet with highly efficient and environmentally friendly single-aisle aircraft.
Czech Airlines is pleased to launch the cooperation with the ALC team at the time we celebrate our 100th anniversary in October 2023. Thanks to a brand-new cabin configuration, the aircraft offers best in class comfort for short- and medium-haul flights. I am, therefore, convinced that this step will be appreciated particularly by our customers.”
A new start
The new funding, partial new ownership and a new impetus could represent a fresh start for Czech Airlines, which was squeezed to the point of extinction.
For the airline – if it can hold on until the new deliveries start, it might represent a new start, where it can build a stable route network to support the operation of the type.
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