RIGA, LATVIA — airBaltic is acquiring four additional aircraft on short-term wet-leases to counteract engine maintenance delays affecting its Airbus A220-300 fleet.


The Riga-based airline will add two Airbus A320s from Danish Air Transport and Cyprus Airways, an A319 from Carpatair, and a Bombardier CRJ900 from XFly to its fleet between March 27 and May 31.

Maintenance delays for the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines powering its A220s have led to several short-term wet-leases at airBaltic.

The airline is dealing with operational disruptions due to extended engine service turnaround times but remains optimistic about a resolution. airBaltic recently announced it would wet-lease four A320s from Avion Express for the summer season, citing technical parts supply-chain issues with its A220s.

In June 2022, CEO Martin Gauss initially voiced his concerns, which have been reiterated by other airline executives, as COVID-related supply chain issues impact the availability of spare parts and the loss of skilled personnel at crucial service providers.

Earlier this month, airBaltic received its 40th A220 aircraft.