The Croatian Football Federation (CFF) and Croatia Airlines have renewed their partnership, with the airline continuing as the official carrier for the CFF and the Croatian National Football Team. The two-year contract extension was signed by Marijan Kustić, President of CFF, and Jasmin Bajić, CEO of Croatia Airlines. The signing took place in the cockpit of Croatia Airlines' first new Airbus A220 aircraft.
Attendees at the event included Stipe Pletikosa, Technical Director of the A and U-21 teams; Ante Cicvarić, Marketing Manager at CFF; Slaven Žabo, Commercial Division Director at Croatia Airlines; Anamarija Jurinjak, Marketing Director at Croatia Airlines; and Marija Pavić, Head of Sales at Croatia Airlines.
The partnership between CFF and Croatia Airlines began in 2018. It has seen significant achievements for the national team, including a silver medal from the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018, a bronze medal from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and a silver medal from the UEFA Nations League in 2023.
Marijan Kustić expressed gratitude to "the leadership of Croatia Airlines" for their continued trust. He noted that signing aboard a new aircraft symbolizes fleet renewal akin to introducing new players for continued success. He recalled past successful flights with hope for future celebrations.
Jasmin Bajić remarked on celebrating "the greatest achievements in Croatian football history" during their partnership. He highlighted that both entities are undergoing rejuvenation—Croatia Airlines with its Airbus A220 fleet renewal—and looked forward to future joint flights.
The tradition of flying home victorious teams dates back to July 1998 when Croatia Airlines brought home the national team with their bronze medal from the FIFA World Cup in France.