Latvian national airline airBaltic has reduced its fleet by one Airbus A220-300 aircraft after it sustained significant thermal damage during maintenance last June. This incident will incur losses of 6.2 million euros for the company in 2025, as detailed in airBaltic's annual report. The damaged aircraft, registered as YL-AAO, experienced critical issues in the fuselage and wing attachment area during an on-ground engine performance check in Riga.

Augusts Zilberts, head of public and political relations at airBaltic, explained that after evaluating the condition of the aircraft, Airbus representatives concluded that restoring it was not economically viable. The investigation into the incident confirmed that the maintenance procedures followed were in accordance with all current regulations. Following this event, Airbus has updated the maintenance guidelines for all A220 aircraft to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This incident highlights not only the operational challenges faced by airBaltic but also the importance of adhering to stringent maintenance standards in aviation. The financial implications of losing an aircraft extend beyond just the immediate costs, as it also impacts the airline's operational capacity and future planning. The proactive measures from Airbus to enhance maintenance protocols indicate a commitment to safety and reliability in their aircraft.