ZAGREB- Croatia Airlines (OU) has expanded its modern fleet with the delivery of its tenth Airbus A220, welcoming a new A220-300 registered 9A-CAS at Zagreb Airport (ZAG). The aircraft is the first Airbus A220 worldwide to feature the official Star Alliance livery, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and the global alliance.
The new aircraft, named Velika Gorica, strengthens Croatia Airlines’ (OU) ongoing fleet renewal program while highlighting the close relationship between Zagreb Airport (ZAG) and the Croatian city that has long been recognized as the country’s aviation hub.
Croatia Airlines Adds Historic Star Alliance Airbus A220
Croatia Airlines officially took delivery of its tenth Airbus A220 on July 29, when aircraft 9A-CAS landed at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) shortly after midnight local time.
The Airbus A220-300, carrying manufacturer serial number 55465, was assembled at Airbus’ Mirabel production facility near Montreal, Canada. Its delivery flight began on July 28 with a nonstop sector from Montreal to Copenhagen lasting nearly eight hours. Following a scheduled stop in the Danish capital, the aircraft completed the final one-hour and 33-minute flight to Zagreb.
The arrival represents another major step in Croatia Airlines’ long-term modernization strategy, which is replacing older aircraft with the fuel-efficient Airbus A220 family.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of 9A-CAS is its special paint scheme. The aircraft has become the first Airbus A220 anywhere in the world to operate in the official Star Alliance colors.
According to current fleet plans, it is also expected to remain the only Croatia Airlines aircraft in the airline’s future all-A220 fleet to carry the alliance’s special livery.
Aircraft Named After Croatia’s City of Aviation
The airline named the newest aircraft Velika Gorica, honoring the Croatian city that plays a central role in the country’s aviation industry.
Velika Gorica received the official title of City of Aviation in 2016 because it concentrated aviation organizations and infrastructure.
The city is home to Zagreb Airport, Croatia Control, the Aeronautical Technical Centre, the Aviation Technical School, the University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica, and numerous aviation-related businesses.
Croatia Airlines was among the organizations that signed the charter recognizing Velika Gorica as the City of Aviation. Naming the aircraft after the city further reinforces the airline’s connection with the community surrounding its primary hub.
The airline has previously showcased Star Alliance branding on several Airbus aircraft. Earlier members of the fleet carrying the alliance livery included Airbus A319 aircraft registered 9A-CTI and 9A-CTM, along with Airbus A320 9A-CTO.
Growing Airbus A220 Fleet
Following the arrival of 9A-CAS, Croatia Airlines now operates ten Airbus A220 aircraft consisting of:
- Eight Airbus A220-300 aircraft
- 9A-CAE “Zagreb”
- 9A-CAI “Split”
- 9A-CAL “Vukovar”
- 9A-CAM “Rijeka”
- 9A-CAN “Osijek”
- 9A-CAP “Zadar”
- 9A-CAR “Šibenik”
- 9A-CAS “Velika Gorica”
- Two Airbus A220-100 aircraft
- 9A-CAO “Dubrovnik”
- 9A-CAQ “Pula”
One aircraft, 9A-CAN Osijek, is currently grounded in Split after experiencing a runway excursion during a rejected takeoff.
Despite that temporary setback, the airline continues to expand its next-generation fleet as scheduled.
Fleet Renewal Continues Through 2027
Croatia Airlines plans to operate a total of 15 Airbus A220 family aircraft as part of the largest fleet renewal program in its history.
The final fleet will include 13 Airbus A220-300s and two Airbus A220-100s, creating a standardized fleet that offers improved fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, and a more consistent passenger experience.
With ten aircraft now delivered, five remain outstanding. According to the current delivery schedule, three additional aircraft are expected before the end of 2026, while the remaining two will join the fleet during 2027.
The arrival of Velika Gorica not only advances Croatia Airlines’ fleet modernization but also gives the airline a unique place in aviation history as the operator of the world’s first Airbus A220 painted in the official Star Alliance livery.
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