airBaltic has written off its Airbus A220-300, registration YL-AAO, named Jelgava, following a ground fire during maintenance at Riga Airport on June 14, 2025. The aircraft, airBaltic’s first A220 delivered in March 2019 and stored since September 2024, sustained severe thermal damage during a routine auxiliary power unit (APU) ground test.
The fire originated in the center fuselage section, specifically the ozone filter within the environmental control system (ECS). This component converts high-altitude ozone into oxygen and removes odors like kerosene fumes. Damage affected the fuselage and wing root area, rendering the six-year-old jet, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines and configured for 148 single-class seats, beyond economic repair.
Airbus engineers assessed the aircraft in December 2025, confirming it as the first hull loss for the A220 program since its 2016 commercial entry. The jet remained grounded at Riga pending insurance reviews. Operated under lease and fully insured, it underwent heavy maintenance for return to service.
In a statement, airBaltic noted: “During scheduled technical maintenance in Riga, while performing a ground operational test of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), an Airbus A220-300 aircraft with the registration YL-AAO sustained significant thermal damage in the fuselage and wing attachment area, within the ozone filter unit. Following an assessment, Airbus representatives concluded that restoring the aircraft would not be economically viable. The investigation determined that the maintenance work had been carried out in accordance with all applicable procedures.” An insurance claim is under review.
This marks the A220’s initial hull loss, distinct from prior incidents like engine events, amid airBaltic’s ongoing fleet expansion to 53 A220-300s by early 2026.