airBaltic

airBaltic, legally incorporated as AS Air Baltic Corporation, is the flag carrier of Latvia and one of the principal air links serving the Baltic region. The airline was created in 1995 through a joint venture between the Latvian government and Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS), following the failure and liquidation of Latvia’s former state airline, Latavio. Its first passenger service operated from Riga on 1 October 1995. The company is headquartered at Riga International Airport in Mārupe Municipality, near the Latvian capital. Riga remains its main hub, while the airline has also operated bases in Tallinn, Vilnius and Tampere, together with a seasonal base at Gran Canaria Airport. Its network is focused on short- and medium-haul scheduled passenger services linking the Baltic states with major European cities and leisure destinations, as well as selected points in the Middle East. Through codeshare relationships, passengers can also connect beyond the airline’s own network. airBaltic’s business identity is regional rather than exclusively domestic. The brand presents itself as a connector for Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, with Riga serving as the principal transfer point. It serves both business and leisure travelers and has historically combined direct services with coordinated schedules and partnership arrangements. It is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it maintains codeshare relationships with several alliance and non-alliance carriers. The airline’s fleet strategy has undergone several major changes. Earlier operations included Saab 340, Avro RJ70, Fokker 50, Boeing 737, Boeing 757 and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft. Beginning in 2016, airBaltic became an early and prominent operator of the Bombardier CSeries, later renamed the Airbus A220 after Airbus acquired a majority interest in the programme. The A220-300 subsequently became the core of the airline’s fleet and, according to the referenced material, airBaltic operates an all-A220 fleet. Fleet commonality is intended to simplify training, maintenance and operational planning while supporting European regional routes. airBaltic has experienced substantial financial and operational challenges. It required state-backed restructuring after losses intensified during and after the global financial crisis, and it temporarily suspended most operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The company later rebuilt its network, expanded its A220 operation and developed wet-lease activities for other airlines, particularly within the Lufthansa Group. Engine maintenance delays affecting Pratt & Whitney-powered A220 aircraft caused significant disruption in 2025, including route suspensions, frequency reductions and flight cancellations. The Latvian state remains the majority owner. In January 2025, the Latvian Ministry of Transport, airBaltic and Lufthansa Group announced an agreement under which Lufthansa Group would invest EUR 14 million for a convertible share associated with a potential 10% stake and representation on the supervisory board. The airline has also pursued digital and onboard-service initiatives, including the airBaltic Club loyalty programme, the Planies digital-collectibles project and a planned Starlink in-flight connectivity rollout. Its current strategic priorities include maintaining Baltic connectivity, operating and financing its A220 fleet, managing wet-lease capacity and preparing for possible changes to its ownership structure.

airBaltic emerged from the restructuring of Latvia’s post-Soviet aviation sector. A preceding venture, Baltic International Airlines, had been formed in 1992 with Latvian and United States participation, but it did not acquire the former national carrier Latavio. After Latavio became insolvent in 1995, the Latvian government and SAS established the joint venture that became Air Baltic. The airline was formally established on 28 August 1995 and began passenger operations from Riga on 1 October using a Saab 340. During its first years, the company progressively replaced regional turboprops and broadened its fleet. An Avro RJ70 arrived in 1996, a cargo department was created in 1997, and Fokker 50 aircraft entered service in 1998. In 1999 the business became a joint-stock company and adopted European Aviation Safety Organisation operating standards. The airline entered the 2000s with a larger airport and cargo presence, adding Boeing 737 aircraft in 2003 and launching services from Vilnius in 2004. It adopted the airBaltic brand in October 2004, introducing a white aircraft fuselage and lime-green tail design. The carrier expanded its network and digital services during the late 2000s. Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 aircraft were supplemented by Boeing 757s, and airBaltic introduced online check-in in 2007. SAS was a substantial shareholder and commercial partner for much of this period, with services coordinated around SAS hubs and some shared customer facilities. SAS sold its stake in 2009 to Baltijas aviācijas sistēmas, a transaction that contributed to a more complicated ownership period. Financial difficulties became acute after the global financial crisis. In 2011, continuing losses prompted requests for additional capital, proposed workforce and schedule reductions, and negotiations between the Latvian government and private shareholders. The government ultimately provided capital alongside restructuring measures, and the incumbent chief executive departed. Martin Gauss became chief executive in late 2011. A cost-reduction programme narrowed reported losses in 2012, while the state’s ownership position increased substantially after the collapse of a bank connected with the financing structure. Fleet renewal became the central element of the next phase. airBaltic accepted its first Bombardier CS300 in November 2016 and later committed to a larger CSeries order. After Airbus acquired control of the CSeries programme, the aircraft was renamed the Airbus A220. airBaltic progressively moved away from its earlier Boeing and turboprop fleet, ultimately making the A220-300 the centre of its operating model. The airline also maintained bases and route experiments outside Riga, although proposed hubs such as Oulu were cancelled for financial reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented interruption. Most operations stopped in March 2020 and restarted only gradually from May. In the recovery period, airBaltic rebuilt its European schedule, announced a Tampere base, established a seasonal Gran Canaria base and began wet-leasing aircraft to other carriers. It also introduced digital loyalty-related initiatives and announced a Starlink partnership intended to provide high-speed onboard connectivity. The airline’s recent development has been affected by capacity constraints, aircraft availability and ownership discussions. Pratt & Whitney engine maintenance delays caused major schedule changes in 2025. In the same year, Lufthansa Group agreed to provide EUR 14 million through a convertible instrument associated with a possible minority stake, while the Latvian government remained the dominant shareholder. Martin Gauss departed as chief executive in April 2025, followed by an interim period under Pauls Cālītis and the appointment of Erno Hildén in December 2025 according to the referenced material. airBaltic continues to function as Latvia’s flag carrier, with Riga as its principal hub and the A220 as the defining element of its fleet strategy.

• 2025

  Lufthansa Group investment agreement

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Lufthansa Group agrees to invest EUR 14 million through a convertible share linked to a potential 10% holding.

• 2024

  Skytrax Eastern Europe recognition

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  airBaltic is voted Best Airline in Eastern Europe in the 2024 Skytrax awards.

• 2023

  Gran Canaria seasonal base announced

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  The airline announces a seasonal base at Gran Canaria Airport and continues expanding wet-lease activity.

• 2022

  Tampere base opens

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  airBaltic establishes a secondary hub at Tampere–Pirkkala Airport, its first outside the Baltic states.

• 2020

  COVID-19 operational suspension

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Most operations are suspended in March and limited services resume in May.

• 2018

  Expanded CSeries commitment

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Bombardier announces an airBaltic commitment involving 30 CS300 aircraft plus options and purchase rights for additional aircraft.

• 2016

  First CS300 delivered

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  airBaltic receives its first Bombardier CS300, beginning the fleet transition that later produces an all-A220 operating fleet.

• 2011

  State-backed recapitalisation and leadership change

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Financial pressure leads to restructuring and new capital from the Latvian government and private shareholders; Martin Gauss becomes chief executive.

• 2009

  SAS sells its stake

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  SAS disposes of its 47.2% holding to Baltijas aviācijas sistēmas.

• 2007

  Online check-in introduced

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  airBaltic introduces online check-in, described in the reference material as the first such system in the Baltic states.

• 2004

  Vilnius operations and airBaltic rebrand

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Services begin from Vilnius, and the airline adopts the airBaltic brand later that year.

• 1998

  Fokker 50 enters the fleet

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  The airline adds Fokker 50 aircraft as it develops its regional scheduled network.

• 1995

  AirBaltic is established

  [1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  The Latvian government and SAS create the airline on 28 August; passenger operations begin from Riga on 1 October with a Saab 340.

A Baltic regional network carrier and Latvian flag carrier linking the Baltic states with Europe.

• Air transport service · 1995

  Scheduled passenger flights

  airBaltic’s principal offering is scheduled passenger transport from Riga and other Baltic and Northern European bases. The network serves business and leisure travelers, combining year-round European links with seasonal services to leisure destinations. The airline’s own flights are concentrated on short- and medium-haul routes, while codeshare arrangements extend the practical reach of the product.

• Fleet-based air transport · 2016

  Airbus A220-300 operations

  The Airbus A220-300 is the defining aircraft product of the airBaltic operating model. It is used across the airline’s European network and supports a common-fleet strategy intended to reduce complexity in pilot training, maintenance and daily operations. The type replaced earlier Boeing and turboprop aircraft as fleet renewal progressed.

• Aviation services · 2022

  Wet-lease services

  Since 2022, airBaltic has supplied aircraft and crew to other airlines under wet-lease arrangements. The activity has included operations for Swiss and other Lufthansa Group carriers, creating an additional source of aircraft utilization while also affecting the capacity available for airBaltic’s own network.

• Loyalty programme

  AirBaltic Club

  AirBaltic Club is the airline’s customer loyalty programme. It is connected with travel benefits and has also been associated with later digital initiatives such as the Planies collection, which was designed to provide programme-related perks.

• Passenger amenity · 2023

  Onboard Wi-Fi

  airBaltic announced a partnership with Starlink to introduce complimentary high-speed in-flight connectivity. Installation began in 2023 and was planned for completion across the fleet by 2025, subject to aircraft and implementation schedules.

• 2015

  Crew alcohol incident before Oslo flight

  Norwegian police stopped an airBaltic crew before departure after a report that members had consumed alcohol. The second officer received a six-month prison sentence, while the captain and cabin crew also faced proceedings.

  Source

• 2011

  Financial and political controversy during restructuring

  Mounting losses, emergency capital requirements, proposed job and flight reductions, and changes in private ownership generated political scrutiny and controversy in Latvia during the 2011 restructuring period.

  Source

Read more

• 202450th Airbus A220 special livery

  International

  A special aircraft design celebrating the 50th airBaltic A220 depicted a Latvian-inspired figure and Baltic cultural and natural motifs.

  Outcome. Used as a brand and regional-identity showcase.

  Source
• 2023Starlink onboard connectivity rollout

  European network

  The airline promoted a partnership with Starlink to provide unrestricted complimentary Wi-Fi on its aircraft, positioning the service as a notable European aviation technology initiative.

  Outcome. Fleet installation was planned to continue through 2025.

  Source
• 2022Planies

  International

  airBaltic introduced the Planies NFT collection as a digital initiative connected with benefits for the airBaltic Club loyalty programme.

  Outcome. Created a digital engagement layer around the loyalty programme.

  Source

• 2025

  Accept Lufthansa Group convertible investmentM&A

  Background

  The Latvian state sought to strengthen airBaltic’s capital position and develop a relationship with a major European airline group.

  Action taken

  Lufthansa Group agreed to invest EUR 14 million through a convertible share associated with a potential 10% stake and a supervisory-board seat.

  Aftermath

  The transaction created a pathway for Lufthansa Group participation while leaving the Latvian government as majority owner.

  Investment amount. EUR 14 million (Announced 29 January 2025)

  Source

• 2022

  Establish Tampere as a secondary hubStrategy

  Background

  airBaltic sought to deepen its presence outside the Baltic states and create additional network opportunities in Finland.

  Action taken

  The airline announced a base at Tampere–Pirkkala Airport for 2022.

  Aftermath

  Tampere became the carrier’s first secondary hub outside the Baltic countries.

  Source

• 2020

  Suspend and gradually restart operations during the pandemicStrategy

  Background

  COVID-19 caused a severe collapse in passenger demand and widespread European travel restrictions.

  Action taken

  airBaltic suspended most flights on 17 March and restarted limited services from 18 May.

  Aftermath

  The airline rebuilt its network while adapting fleet use and later expanding wet-lease operations.

  Source

• 2016

  Adopt the Bombardier CS300Product launch

  Background

  airBaltic sought to modernise its ageing Boeing and regional aircraft fleet and improve operating commonality.

  Action taken

  The airline accepted its first CS300 in November 2016 and expanded its commitment to the type.

  Aftermath

  After Airbus became majority owner of the CSeries programme, the aircraft was renamed the A220 and became the centre of airBaltic’s fleet.

  Source

• 2025

  Pratt & Whitney engine maintenance delays disrupt airBaltic schedule[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  Engine availability constraints led to route suspensions, frequency reductions and thousands of cancelled flights affecting tens of thousands of passengers.

• 2025

  Lufthansa Group agrees to invest in airBaltic[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Lufthansa Group agreed to invest EUR 14 million through a convertible share linked to a potential 10% stake and a supervisory-board seat.

• 2025

  Martin Gauss leaves airBaltic chief executive role[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Leadership change

  The Latvian government withdrew its confidence in Martin Gauss, who was replaced on an interim basis by Pauls Cālītis.

• 2023

  airBaltic announces Starlink in-flight connectivity partnership[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The airline announced plans to introduce complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi across its aircraft, with installation scheduled to proceed through 2025.

• 2023

  Delta Air Lines codeshare expansion[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  M&A

  Delta announced a codeshare arrangement covering 20 routes serving its bases and airBaltic destinations.

• 2020

  airBaltic suspends most operations during COVID-19 disruption[1]AirBalticen.wikipedia.org

  Other

  The airline suspended operations on 17 March 2020 and resumed limited services from 18 May.

1. 1AirBalticen.wikipedia.org
2. 2airBaltic managementairbaltic.com
3. 3airBaltic official websiteairbaltic.com
4. 4Estonia: Magnetic MRO acquires 4 Boeing 737 aircraft from Air Balticbaltic-course.com
5. 5Expanding North: airBaltic Launches New Base In Tampere, Finlandsimpleflying.com
6. 6Latvian Flag Carrier airBaltic Launches Flights to Riga From Manchester Airportaboutmanchester.co.uk