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757-200 . This chapter in the airline ’ s history , though brief , is worth revisiting .
In March 2008 , airBaltic introduced into its fleet two Boeing 757-200s registered as YL-BDC and YL-BDB . Previously with Iberia ( IB ), these aircraft featured 200 Economy seats and had winglets added that same year . The 757s were primarily used on high-demand routes during the summer season ; BT leased out the aircraft to other carriers during idle times . Despite the planes ’ potential , the airline never explored new transatlantic markets with the 757s , likely due to the challenging and complex aviation market and high operational costs at the time . After just five years , it decided to phase out the type .
This cautious approach to the 757 might explain why airBaltic remains hesitant about adding the A321LR , XLR or
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similar aircraft to its current fleet to expand and explore new transatlantic options . Today , the airline focuses on the Airbus A220 , ensuring a streamlined and cost-effective operation . airBaltic continues exploring new links in Europe , Asia , and other potential longand-thin routes . While larger aircraft are not currently under consideration , the airline ’ s strategic flexibility ensures that it can exploit new opportunities as they arise .
Meantime , the airline ’ s strategy will focus on the Baltic region , with a growing presence in the Nordics . Although there is substantial demand for direct transatlantic flights from the Baltics , the carrier acknowledges that the A220-300 is not suitable for such long-haul routes . Instead , to connect its hubs directly to cities like New York , Toronto , and Washington D . C ., the airline sees potential for partnerships with
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other carriers , such as US airlines like JetBlue ( B6 ) or European longhaul operators .
“ Another airline would have to provide the flight , either someone in Europe or in the US or Canada , in partnership with airBaltic . As of now , Riga remains the largest hub from where the direct link should be enabled ,” Gauss said airBaltic has no immediate plans to join any airline alliances . Instead , it intends to maintain and expand its extensive codeshare agreements . In November 2023 , for example , the carrier announced a new agreement with Delta Air Lines ( DL ) that enables the US carrier to codeshare on 20 of airBaltic ’ s routes to their respective bases . This strategy enables airBaltic to serve over 300 global cities with just one stop from Riga , Vilnius , Tallinn or Tampere — without the constraints of alliance membership .
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11 The new airBaltic MRO Hangar will extend over 34,500m ² ( 371,300sq ft ) and feature eight lines for the simultaneous maintenance of up to eight Airbus A220-300 aircraft . |