Air Serbia and airBaltic Deepen Strategic Partnership with Airbus A220-300 Expansion

In a move that signals a new chapter in regional aviation cooperation, Air Serbia and airBaltic have announced the expansion of their long-standing partnership through a two-year wet lease agreement that will see the Latvian carrier operate Airbus A220-300 aircraft on behalf of Air Serbia starting November 1, 2025.

The agreement marks a significant step for Belgrade-based Air Serbia as it continues to modernize its fleet, strengthen operational flexibility, and enhance the passenger experience. Under the new deal, two airBaltic A220-300 aircraft will enter Air Serbia’s service during the 2025–26 winter season, expanding to four aircraft in the summer of 2026—a period when demand across the Balkans and wider Europe typically peaks.

“We are very pleased to continue developing our cooperation with airBaltic, one of the most innovative airlines in Europe and our long-time codeshare partner,” said Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia. “This partnership is of particular importance as passengers will now enjoy traveling aboard modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft. It is also a key reference point for future fleet decisions as we advance our strategic plans.”

The collaboration between Air Serbia and airBaltic isn’t new—it spans over a decade, bridging the Baltic and Balkan regions through shared codeshare agreements and operational partnerships. What’s evolving, however, is the depth of integration and strategic alignment between the two carriers.

AirBaltic’s ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) model has become a benchmark in the European aviation industry, allowing partner airlines to scale capacity without the burden of new aircraft acquisitions. For airBaltic, the deal also underscores its role as a trusted capacity provider and one of the most efficient operators of the Airbus A220-300—the aircraft type that forms the backbone of its 50-strong fleet.

“With Air Serbia, we have maintained a long-standing cooperation for more than ten years,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer at airBaltic. “Expanding this cooperation through the ACMI agreement supports efficient fleet use and reliable operations for both airlines.”

A Modern Aircraft for a Modern Market

The Airbus A220-300, known for its fuel efficiency, reduced noise footprint, and 148-seat configuration, represents the next generation of single-aisle aircraft that regional and mid-range carriers are increasingly turning to amid shifting post-pandemic economics and environmental regulations.

For Air Serbia, the integration of the A220-300 aligns with a broader strategy to position itself as a competitive and forward-looking airline within the European aviation ecosystem. The carrier has been expanding aggressively, adding new routes to North America, the Mediterranean, and key European capitals, while upgrading passenger services and digital operations.

Both Air Serbia and airBaltic exemplify a growing trend among mid-sized national carriers leveraging strategic partnerships to scale operations beyond their domestic hubs. For airBaltic, based in Riga, the ACMI model has become a major revenue stream—providing aircraft and expertise to airlines across Europe while maintaining its reputation for operational reliability and five-star passenger service.

In 2025, airBaltic became the first European airline to offer free high-speed Starlink internet across its entire fleet, further cementing its status as a tech-forward operator. The airline’s consistent accolades from Skytrax, Airline Ratings, and APEX reflect its growing global standing.

The A220-300 partnership with airBaltic represents not only a practical fleet enhancement but a symbol of Serbia’s aviation ambitions—anchoring Belgrade as a rising regional hub and strengthening Air Serbia’s position as a nimble, adaptive, and innovation-driven airline ready to compete with larger European players.