By Petre Barac

Copyright thediplomat

AnimaWings, Romania’s 100% privately owned airline, has taken delivery of a new Airbus A220-300, the third aircraft of this type and the fifth in its operational fleet. By the end of 2027, the company aims to expand its fleet to 18 aircraft, building the most valuable portfolio in Romania’s private aviation industry, with an estimated worth exceeding $1 billion.

The Airbus A220-300 configuration features 137 seats – including 12 in Business Class, offering significantly more space compared to other aircraft in its category, and 125 Economy Class seats arranged in a five-abreast layout.

“For us, passengers are at the center of every decision. With the Airbus A220, we bring enhanced comfort and safety, ensuring that vacations, city breaks, or business trips begin the moment boarding starts. This is a strategic investment not only for our company but for Romania as a whole – the most significant aeronautical infrastructure project in recent decades, one that is now becoming a reality. Our ambitious plan is to grow the AnimaWings fleet to 18 aircraft by the end of 2027,” said Marius Pandel, President of AnimaWings.

Starting this autumn, AnimaWings will operate 12 new routes, strengthening its domestic flight network and connecting Romania’s main airports (Otopeni, Cluj, Iași, Craiova, Timișoara, Suceava) with major European and international destinations such as Istanbul, Munich, Prague, Sofia, Tel Aviv, and Dubai. In 2026, expansion will continue with the launch of the Bucharest–Geneva route, the only direct connection between the two cities, starting in March.

The fifth aircraft marks part of a firm order for 18 Airbus units to be delivered over the next two years. Four additional aircraft will arrive in the first half of 2026, with the remainder delivered in 2027.

“In a market dominated by low-cost carriers, we want to prove that robust aviation projects with significant investment and a European vision can also be built in Romania. AnimaWings is the country’s first private full-service airline, defined by comfort and excellence. Our goal is to quickly become the number one choice for Romanian travelers and beyond, positioning Romania properly on the European map not only in terms of connectivity but also in respect for passengers. In just one year since fully acquiring the company, we have achieved the fastest expansion in the Romanian market, adding five aircraft to our fleet – three of them brand new from the factory. This strong start gives us the confidence to move forward,” added Marius Pandel.

Founded in 2020 and part of Memento Group alongside tour operator Christian Tour, AnimaWings is a 100% Romanian-owned airline offering scheduled and charter flights.