Aviation History
Croatian civil aviation modernized around Croatia Airlines, founded in 1989 (initially as Zagal) and renamed after the country's first free elections in 1990; it became independent Croatia's flag carrier in 1992 with jet service to Frankfurt. The carrier joined Star Alliance in 2004, and Croatia's 2013 EU accession folded its aviation market into the European single sky. The state-majority-owned airline is currently mid-way through a fleet renewal from Airbus A319/A320s to Airbus A220s.
Established on 7 August 1989 and began operating a single Cessna 402 the following month, the carrier was the seed of what became Croatia Airlines.
Following Croatia's first democratic multi-party elections, the airline was renamed Croatia Airlines in June 1990.
On 5 April 1992, shortly after Croatian independence, the airline launched its first international route to Frankfurt.
Croatia Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A320 (named 'Rijeka'), beginning a long-term Airbus narrowbody fleet standard.
Croatia Airlines became a member of Star Alliance on 18 November 2004, its main international alliance affiliation.
Croatia's EU accession integrated its aviation sector into the European single aviation market and regulatory framework.
Croatia Airlines received its first A220-300 in July 2024 as part of a planned renewal of up to 15 aircraft by 2026, replacing its older A319/A320 fleet.
An A220-300 aborted takeoff and left the runway at Split in May 2026; all passengers and crew were reported unharmed. Investigation details were still developing as of this writing.
Croatia Airlines
Wikipedia, Croatia Airlines corporate history, aviation trade press (Simple Flying, AirlineGeeks)