Air Serbia and airBaltic Boost Partnership with Airbus A220 Lease Deal

Air Serbia has officially entered into a two-year lease agreement with airBaltic, allowing the Latvian airline to operate Airbus A220-300 aircraft on behalf of Air Serbia starting November 1, 2025. This collaboration marks the introduction of the cutting-edge A220 into Air Serbia’s fleet for the very first time.

Through this agreement, airBaltic will provide not just the aircraft but also the crews, maintenance, and insurance necessary for the flights operated on behalf of Air Serbia. Initially, two A220-300s will be utilized during the winter season of 2025-2026, with plans for up to four aircraft during the summer schedule of 2026. Each plane is set to have a capacity of 148 seats.

On October 16, 2025, the airlines announced that this wet lease arrangement aims to enhance Air Serbia’s passenger experience while boosting its network across Europe. The A220 is recognized for its fuel efficiency and quieter cabin, making it a perfect fit for short- and medium-haul routes.

Jiří Marek, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Serbia, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration with airBaltic, highlighting its reputation as one of Europe’s most innovative airlines and a long-time codeshare partner. He noted that passengers can look forward to a comfortable journey with the modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, emphasizing its importance in the airline’s future fleet decisions.

Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at airBaltic, mentioned that this deal extends a partnership that has flourished over the past decade. He pointed out how this agreement supports efficient fleet utilization and reliable operations, enhancing connectivity between the Baltic and Balkan regions.

The wet lease model enables airlines like Air Serbia to swiftly and flexibly increase capacity during peak times without the need for permanent fleet expansion.

Air Serbia acts as the flag carrier for the Republic of Serbia, operating from its hub at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG). With flights to over 80 destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, the airline currently operates a fleet that includes Airbus A319, A320, and A330 aircraft, along with regional ATR 72 turboprops. The Serbian government holds a majority stake in Air Serbia, with Etihad Airways owning a minority share since its investment in 2013.

Conversely, airBaltic operates a fleet of more than 50 all-Airbus A220-300 aircraft from its base in Riga, Latvia. The airline covers routes across Europe, the Middle East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Recognized as one of the world’s leading A220 operators, airBaltic is also a significant provider of wet lease capacity in Europe.

Since establishing a codeshare agreement in 2013, both airlines have offered passengers the convenience of booking connecting flights throughout their networks. This new wet lease arrangement further solidifies their operational links between the Baltic and Balkan regions.

The airlines view this expanded partnership as a means to enhance schedule reliability and fleet flexibility while providing travelers with more modern aircraft. Air Serbia anticipates that the insights gained from the A220 operations through airBaltic will play a key role in shaping its long-term growth strategy.

This agreement is set to run until the end of 2027.

How do you feel about the introduction of the Airbus A220-300 into Air Serbia’s fleet?