CSA Czech Airlines (Prague Václav Havel) has ordered four A220-300s from Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) and, at the same time, revised an existing order for three A320neo to three A321neo(XLR)s.
The Czech carrier's parent firm Smartwings (Czechia) (QS, Prague Václav Havel) said in a statement that the first two A220s will arrive at the end of 2020 with the remaining pair due in the first and second quarters of 2021. Collectively, the jets, which will feature 149 seats, will replace CSA's fleet of five ATR72-500s all of which are due to be returned to their lessors, Nordic Aviation Capital (2) and Safair Lease Finance (3).
The A321neo(XLR)s are due to arrive from 2025 onwards.
Smartwings said talks with Airbus over the revision of a long-deferred 2006 order for seven A320neo had lasted for several months before an agreement was finally reached.
"The Airbus A220 and A321neo(XLR) fit into our long-term strategy covering network and destination development. The inclusion of these aircraft in CSA's fleet will give it a competitive advantage while at the same time increase capacity on existing routes. It offers a completely new cabin layout to the highest possible level of comfort in its class, even over the coming years," Petr Kudela, CSA Chairman, said.
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, aside from the outgoing ATR - Avions de Transport Régional turboprops, CSA also operates six A319-100s and one A330-300. It also wet-leases in two B737-700s and four B737-800s from Smartwings. In terms of network, CSA serves multiple destinations across the whole of Europe as well as the Middle East and Seoul Incheon, its only longhaul destination.
