PRAGUE, CZECHIA — Air Lease Corporation to Supply A220-300s to CSA Czech Airlines, Rekindling Abandoned Airbus Commitment.
Prague-based CSA Czech Airlines will lease a quartet of A220-300 aircraft from the Air Lease Corporation (ALC), superseding a previously nullified commitment from 2021 with Airbus for an identical tally of planes.
The leasing firm anticipates the delivery of all four A220s in 2024, the aircraft being secured from its existing order book, ch-aviation reports.
Chairman Petr Kudela lauded the partnership with ALC, "The forthcoming A220s from ALC will substantially elevate our airline's operational capabilities as we advance our fleet's modernization with these single-aisle aircraft that balance high efficiency with eco-friendliness. As we commemorate our centenary in October 2023, Czech Airlines is delighted to commence this collaboration with the ALC team. Owing to the brand-new cabin layout, the aircraft will provide top-tier comfort for short and medium-haul journeys."
The national airline of the Czech Republic, under the proprietorship of the Smartwings Group, initially placed an order for four A220s directly with Airbus in 2019, but this was canceled during a bankruptcy protection period two years later. As the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, CSA made known its intentions in late 2022 to resurrect its A220 plans.
The airline, at present, operates a pair of A320-200s and has intentions to incorporate an additional A320 into its fleet within this year.
