Latvian low-cost carrier Air Baltic has placed an order for an additional 30 Bombardier CS300 aircraft, as part of its Destination 2025 business plan.
The airline has an existing order for 20 CS300s, of which eight have been delivered, and together with the new order will see Air Baltic operate a total of 50 of the aircraft. The carrier also has options for a further 30 of the Bombardier narrow body jet.
Air Baltic was the launch customer for the CS300 in December 2016, with the aircraft configured for 145 seats in an all-economy layout.
The carrier said that its Destination 2025 strategy would see it move towards a larger, all CS300-fleet, stating that “The most successful airlines in Europe operate uniform fleet of larger scale, supported by cost efficient operations”.
Other existing and future operators of the CS300 include Swiss, Korean Air, Egyptair and Air Canada.
Commenting on the order Martin Gauss, Air Baltic’s CEO said:
“As an early adopter of the C Series, we took a forward-looking decision on advanced technology to support our turnaround plan leading to sustainable profitability, and today we are benefiting from the most fuel-efficient small single-aircraft.
“With demonstrated fuel savings of more than 22 percent the aircraft plays vital role in maintaining our operating cost at a low level. In 2017, we experienced outstanding growth and showed the world the unique capabilities and comfort of this innovative aircraft.
“We successfully executed our fleet modernization strategy, and are excited to further grow our fleet up to 80 CS300 aircraft while phasing out our other aircraft types in the next three years.”
