Latvia’s airBaltic has confirmed the loss of an Airbus A220-300 after concluding that the aircraft, registered YL-AAO, is beyond economic repair following a fire incident in 2025. The case marks the first known total loss of the A220-300 since the type entered service.
The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, after the aircraft had completed scheduled heavy maintenance. During a required auxiliary power unit (APU) ground run, a fire broke out, causing extensive heat damage to the fuselage and wing root area. The source was traced to the ozone filter system.
According to the airline’s 2025 financial report, an engineering assessment by Airbus concluded in December that repairing the aircraft was not economically viable. As a result, airBaltic recognized a full impairment of the asset, while the lease associated with the jet remains in place until the insurance process is finalized.
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The company reported a net negative impact of €6.2 million tied to the event, reflecting the write-down of the aircraft, related costs and lease expenses, partially offset by expected insurance compensation. Settlement of the claim is anticipated by mid-2026, after which the aircraft will be transferred to the insurer.
Despite the loss, airBaltic continues to operate the world’s largest Airbus A220-300 fleet. The airline listed 53 aircraft of the type, including YL-AAO, though its operational fleet stood at 51 units at the end of 2025 following the incident.
The carrier added three A220-300s during 2025 and expects to receive five additional A220-300 aircraft in 2026, which will increase the operational fleet following the loss of YL-AAO.
