AIRLINE REVIEW
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9 One of airBaltic ’ s Boeing 757-200s ( YL-BDB ) leaving Riga . In the background , another Boeing 757 and a Boeing 737 are also visible on the tarmac . // ALEKSANDRS SAMUILOVS
10 The tail fins of three airBaltic aircraft at Schiphol Airport , displaying the flags of the Baltic states : Estonia , Latvia , and Lithuania . // SCHIPHOL AIRPORT
of its strategic foresight . Its € 340 million ( US $ 371 million ) Euro Bond issuance garnered robust international interest and confirmed investor confidence in the airline ’ s future prospects .
Despite the ongoing engine issues and persistent fuel price pressures ( 36 % of costs , down from 45 % in 2022 ), airBaltic continues to adapt and apply a strategic vision to position itself as a key player in global aviation .
LOOKING AHEAD
airBaltic is constantly evaluating options to increase its network , and has shown interest in exploring the US and Canadian markets . As for its fleet , airBaltic remains committed to the A220-300 , given the plane ’ s proven performance and integral role in the airline ’ s current business model .
While airBaltic is not currently looking into other
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aircraft types , it remains open to evaluating future options . A recent memorandum of understanding ( MoU ) signed with Fokker NextGen for new aircraft expected to be rolled out in 2035 is a case in point . However , Martin Gauss reiterated the airline ’ s satisfaction with the Airbus
A220-300 . “ Over the past seven years , this model has been the backbone of our operations and a key factor in our international success ,” he emphasized .
Why not the Airbus A321neo XLR ? The Latvian flag carrier , known today for its sleek Airbus A220 fleet , once flew the Boeing
38 AIRWAYS MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2024 www . airwaysmag . com