airBaltic’s Lufthansa Group Wet-Lease Shrinks From 21 to Six A220s

RIGA, Nov. 10, 2026 — airBaltic has signed a new long-term contract to fly Airbus A220-300s with its own crews for Lufthansa Group. The new deal covers up to six aircraft in summer and four in winter, down from up to 21 under the old one. Summer 2027 is the first season named.

Details

According to aeroTELEGRAPH, SWISS plans to stop using airBaltic entirely by summer 2027, and Brussels Airlines has already stopped. aeroTELEGRAPH expects Austrian to be the main remaining user, though that is its own expectation.
airBaltic plans to fly 36 aircraft in 2027 and return six A220s to lessors. It aims to grow back to 41 by 2031, far below its earlier plan of 100. aeroTELEGRAPH reports the airline is in creditor protection.
Lufthansa owns about 10% of airBaltic. Its other wet-lease customer, Air Serbia, will take four aircraft in summer and two in winter.

What it means for non-revs

Fewer Lufthansa Group flights will be operated by airBaltic aircraft in 2027, especially for SWISS and Brussels. Whether those flights move to the carriers’ own aircraft or are dropped is not stated.
If the group does not replace the capacity, loads on some SWISS, Brussels and Austrian routes could tighten next summer. Check schedules once summer 2027 timetables firm up.