airBaltic

Description:

airBaltic is Latvia’s national airline, founded in 1995 following the country’s independence from the Soviet Union. The Latvian government holds around 97% of the shares, and private investors own the remaining.

AirBaltic’s headquarters are located at Riga International Airport (RIX), Latvia’s main airport, and from there, the airline connects passengers to over 70 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Its extensive route network includes major cities such as Berlin, Paris, London, and Dubai and smaller, underserved destinations like Vilnius, Tallinn, and Tampere.

As of 2024, the airline boasts a fleet of 42 aircraft, consisting exclusively of the Airbus A220-300. The airline employs approximately 2,000 people, including pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, and corporate personnel.

airBaltic made headlines in 2014 when it became the world’s first airline to accept bitcoin as a payment method. This bold move was part of the airline’s broader strategy to embrace innovation and cater to a tech-savvy customer base.

Travelers can purchase tickets directly on the airline’s website and use bitcoin and other supported cryptocurrencies. airBaltic also accepts several other cryptocurrencies, including ethereum, dogecoin, and litecoin.

airBaltic partners with BitPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment processor, to facilitate these transactions.

FAQs

Where does airBaltic fly?

AirBaltic operates flights to over 70 Baltic, Europe, and Middle East destinations. From its primary hub in Riga, Latvia, and additional bases in Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania, the airline offers direct flights to major cities such as Berlin, Paris, London, and Dubai, as well as regional destinations like Vilnius, Tallinn, and Tampere.

Does airBaltic fly to the USA?

airBaltic does not operate direct flights to destinations in the United States. However, through partnerships and codeshare agreements with other airlines, airBaltic offers connecting flights that enable passengers to travel from its hubs in Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius to various U.S. cities. These connections typically involve a transfer at major European airports.

What is the market share of airBaltic?

airBaltic holds a dominant position in the Baltic aviation market, commanding a 60% market share at Riga Airport (RIX), 26% at Tallinn Airport (TLL), and 13% at Vilnius Airport (VNO). At its Tampere Airport (TMP) base, airBaltic has achieved a substantial market share of 77%.

Is airBaltic part of Star Alliance?

airBaltic is not a member of the Star Alliance. However, the airline has established codeshare agreements with several Star Alliance member airlines, including Lufthansa. This partnership enables airBaltic to offer its passengers an expanded network and seamless travel experiences.

Is airBaltic part of Lufthansa?

airBaltic is not owned by Lufthansa. It is an independent airline with the Latvian government as its majority shareholder. However, airBaltic and Lufthansa have established a partnership through codeshare and wet-lease agreements.