Croatia Airlines has welcomed its tenth Airbus A220 into the fleet. The new A220-300, registered 9A-CAS and named “Velika Gorica,” landed at Zagreb Airport on Wednesday, July 29, at 00:18 local time.

The aircraft, bearing manufacturer serial number 55465, was produced at Airbus’ facility in Mirabel near Montreal. Its delivery journey to Croatia began on July 28 with a flight from Montreal to Copenhagen, lasting seven hours and 56 minutes. After a stop in the Danish capital, it continued to Zagreb, completing the final sector in one hour and 33 minutes.

The new 9A-CAS is particularly significant as it is the first Airbus A220 in the world to feature the official Star Alliance livery. Under current plans, it will also remain the only aircraft in Croatia Airlines’ future fleet to carry the special colour scheme.

Croatia’s flag carrier has previously operated several aircraft in Star Alliance colours. The livery was carried by Airbus A319s registered 9A-CTI and 9A-CTM, as well as Airbus A320 9A-CTO.

The name “Velika Gorica” carries additional symbolism due to the city’s strong connection with Croatian aviation. Velika Gorica was officially declared a City of Aviation in 2016 and is home to Zagreb Airport, Croatia Control, the Aeronautical Technical Centre, the Aviation Technical School, the University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica, as well as a number of other institutions, organisations and companies linked to the aviation sector.

Croatia Airlines was among the signatories of the charter through which Velika Gorica received the City of Aviation designation. Naming the new aircraft after the city therefore further highlights the airline’s connection with the home of its main airport.

With the arrival of 9A-CAS, Croatia Airlines’ new-generation fleet now consists of eight A220-300s and two smaller A220-100s. The A220-300 fleet comprises 9A-CAE “Zagreb,” 9A-CAI “Split,” 9A-CAL “Vukovar,” 9A-CAM “Rijeka,” 9A-CAN “Osijek,” 9A-CAP “Zadar,” 9A-CAR “Šibenik” and 9A-CAS “Velika Gorica.” The two A220-100s are registered 9A-CAO “Dubrovnik” and 9A-CAQ “Pula.”

Aircraft 9A-CAN “Osijek” is currently grounded in Split following a runway excursion during a rejected take-off.

Croatia Airlines will ultimately operate 15 aircraft from the A220 family, including 13 A220-300s and two A220-100s. Following the arrival of the tenth aircraft, five more remain to be delivered. Under the current schedule, three are expected to arrive by the end of 2026, while the final two are due during 2027.

The arrival of 9A-CAS marks another milestone in the largest fleet renewal programme in Croatia Airlines’ history. In addition to becoming the airline’s tenth A220, “Velika Gorica” is also the first aircraft of its type worldwide to wear the distinctive Star Alliance livery.