August 16, 2024News

AirBaltic Orders More Airbus A220s; Adds New Destination From Vilnius

The Latvian carrier’s order book for the A220 rises to 90.

In November last year, airBaltic extended its order with Airbus for the A220 aeroplanes. That deal comprised a firm order for 30 A220-300s with the option to buy 20 more of the same aircraft type. Now, the carrier has exercised its rights from that deal and placed an order for an additional 10 aeroplanes. This move bumps its order book with Airbus to 90 for the A220-300.

In addition to being a launch customer for the Airbus A220-300 in 2016, the carrier has grown to become the largest operator of the said aircraft type not just in Europe but worldwide. In fact, airBaltic has an exclusive A220 fleet. The narrowbody jet can ferry between 120 and 150 passengers while flying up to 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km) nonstop. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, which promise a 50 per cent reduction in noise compared to previous-gen planes and about 40 per cent lower Nox emissions than industry standards. The deliveries of the 40 aircraft (30 from last year and 10 from this order) are planned to begin in 2026.

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The Latvian carrier has also confirmed the addition of a new destination from its hub in Vilnius. Starting October 31, 2024, the airline will operate two weekly flights from Vilnius to Dusseldorf, Germany. The service will run year-round on Mondays and Thursdays. The per-sector flight time will be around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Once instated, Dusseldorf will become the fourth destination in Germany from Vilnius. Ticket prices have also been revealed, with Economy and Business fares starting at EUR 49 and EUR 229, respectively.

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September 18, 2024

British Airways To Offer London-Tbilisi Route From Next Year

UK’s flag carrier, British Airways, has confirmed the addition of a new route from its primary hub London Heathrow. Starting March 30, 2025, the airline will operate direct services to Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The flight, using an Airbus A320neo, will be offered four times weekly.

The outbound flight, BA890, will depart from London Heathrow at 21:25 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays and land in the Georgian capital at 05:30 the next day. The flight back, BA391, will depart from Tbilisi at 07:10 and arrive at London Heathrow at 09:40 on Wednesdays. The same flight on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays will leave 20 minutes later and arrive in London at 10:00. All times mentioned are local.

Travellers will have two cabin options aboard the single-aisle jet – Club Europe (Business) and Euro Traveller (Economy). Those opting for the latter will get a complimentary drink and snack. In contrast, flyers in the former category will get lounge access, a full meal service, priority boarding and extra baggage allowance, all included in their ticket fare. The airline is accepting bookings with return ticket prices starting at GBP 275.

Also Read: British Airways To Set A New Record Next Summer

September 18, 2024

Vietnam Airlines To Begin Direct Flights Between Hanoi And Milan

Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has confirmed a new nonstop route to Europe, bringing the total to nine. Beginning July 1, 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights to Milan, Italy, from Hanoi on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner will serve passengers on the newly announced route. The airline also plans to link Milan with Ho Chi Minh City after 2025.

For Italy, Vietnam is the largest trading partner in the ASEAN. On the other hand, Italy is ranked as the fourth largest trading partner within the European Union. Establishing a direct link between Milan and Vietnam is based on the rise of travellers. Last year, the Southeast Asian nation welcomed 81,000 tourists from Italy, about 89 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. In the first quarter of 2024, a 32 per cent rise in travellers from Italy to Vietnam has been recorded compared to the same period in 2019.

Vietnam Airlines’ present European network already includes direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, and London. Next month, a direct service to Munich, Germany, will strengthen the carrier’s presence in Europe.