Croatia Airlines celebrates its 35th anniversary
21 September 2024, Zagreb
In the year in which the biggest project in the company’s history is launched – the complete renewal of its fleet – Croatia Airlines, Croatia’s flag carrier and member of Star Alliance, celebrated its 35th anniversary last night in Zagreb.
The commemorative event, held at the company’s technical centre at Zagreb Airport, was attended by representatives from the Croatian Parliament, representatives from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, representatives of international aviation associations and organisations, numerous business partners from Croatia and abroad, and company employees, led by Croatia Airlines’ CEO, Jasmin Bajić.
In his address, Jasmin Bajić took the audience through the history of Croatia Airlines, which began on the 7th of August 1989, when Zagreb Airlines d.d. (Zagal) was registered at the Commercial Court in Zagreb as an air transport company. Zagal began operations in December of the same year, offering postal transport services. On the 23rd of July 1990, the company changed its name to Croatia Airlines d.d., having thus become the national airline for the transport of passengers, cargo, and mail.
The airline commenced passenger transport on the 5th of May 1991, when it operated its first domestic flight, using a leased MD-82 aircraft, on the Zagreb–Split route. The following year, on the 5th of April 1992, the company operated its first international flight on the Zagreb–Frankfurt route, which marked the beginning of Croatia’s connection to Europe and the world.
– We recently commemorated these milestones symbolically by operating the first both domestic and international commercial flights with our new Airbus A220-300 on these very routes. Believing in the strength of our wings and the expertise of our employees, and with the support of our owner, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, every mile we covered in the past 35 years has taken us further. By carefully planning and listening to the needs and demands of the market and our passengers, we have strengthened our presence worldwide – stated Jasmin Bajić, CEO at Croatia Airlines.
In its 35 years of existence, Croatia Airlines has grown into a mid-sized airline by European standards. During this time, it became a member of the most important aviation associations; more specifically, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline alliance.
– By renewing our fleet, Croatia Airlines is replacing all its existing aircraft with new ones. This is also a significant technological step forward as it implies greater energy efficiency and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption. With the new, latest generation Airbus A220 aircraft, whose seating capacity is 149 and 127 passengers, we will be able to meet the specific needs of our passengers in a better way and operate a more efficient business model, which will also open up new business opportunities as we gradually expand our network of flights. The first new Airbus A220 was added to our fleet in late July, while the delivery of the second aircraft is expected by the end of 2024. Six more aircraft are due in 2025, four in 2026, and three in 2027, by which time our single type fleet will consist of 15 new Airbus A220 aircraft, ready to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm – added Croatia Airlines’ CEO.
As Croatia’s flag carrier, the company contributes to the development of Croatia’s economy and tourism significantly, ensuring year-round connectivity between Croatian destinations, and between Croatia and the world. This season, Croatia Airlines has operated flights directly from Croatia to 28 international destinations across 50 routes, and connects nearly all Croatian airports with domestic flights.
Since its first commercial flight, Croatia Airlines has operated over 711,000 flights and carried more than 46 million passengers.>
Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO Star Alliance said:
- We’re very proud to celebrate 35 incredible years of Croatia Airlines. This year is extra special as it also marks its 20 years of being a part of the Star Alliance family. Croatia Airlines continues to be at the heart of expanding our alliance’s offerings. I congratulate all the teams, whether at the airport, the headquarters or in the skies. On behalf Star Alliance colleagues and our member airlines across the globe, we wish Croatia Airlines a happy birthday!
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Executive Officer Commercial Aircraft, expressed his congratulations and reasserted Airbus commitment to Croatia Airlines:
We are proud that Croatia Airlines selected the A220 for their fleet renewal. Its high versatility and flexibility, combined with its comfortable and modern cabin, makes it the perfect choice for airlines to cover existing regional and international routes, and opening new destinations. Congratulations to Croatia Airlines on their anniversary as we look forward to supporting their continued success and growth for the years to come.
>To celebrate its 35th anniversary, and to express its gratitude to its passengers, Croatia Airlines is offering a 15% discount on tickets purchased between the 20th and 22nd of September via a promo code, valid on all scheduled domestic and international flights during the winter flight timetable. More information is available on the company’s website, www.croatiaairlines.com.