Airbus offering A220 for renewal of Air Serbia fleet

Airbus is continuing to pitch the Airbus A220 aircraft to Air Serbia, noting that deliveries can be secured despite a backlog. Johan Pelissier, President of Region Europe at Airbus, said that, when the time came for Air Serbia to replace its A319 fleet, it would make strong sense for the airline to look closely at that type.

Pelissier added that the A220 “is a strong fit as a replacement for the A319, as demonstrated by a number of operators, including in Europe.” He noted that the A220 engine situation was moving in the right direction.

The Serbian carrier has previously expressed concern with the aircraft type due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine reliability issues. Approximately 17% to 20% of the global A220 fleet is currently grounded as a result.

Air Serbia has said that its recently concluded wet-lease arrangement for two Airbus A220 aircraft from airBaltic, increasing to four from this summer, will enable the airline to trial the jet’s performance.

– This type of aircraft will be an important model and reference point for future decisions regarding the composition of Air Serbia’s fleet, in line with the continued development and implementation of the company’s strategic plans – Air Serbia announced.

The airline plans to deploy the aircraft type on its upcoming two longest intra-European routes during the 2026/27 winter season - Tenerife, with a flight time of four hours and 45 minutes, and Tromso, with a flight time of three hours and 55 minutes.

However, Air Serbia has so far expressed a greater willingness to expand its Embraer fleet and potentially modernize its mid-life aircraft with new E195-E2 jets.

Air Serbia ad Beograd

Air Serbia

Air Baltic

Airbus

Johan Pelissier

Airbus A220