1996
Making memories
Over 30 years, airBaltic has grown from a small airline into an inspiring role model for the industry. Here are some of the most significant milestones in the company’s history.
1995
August
airBaltic is established on 28 August 1995 with the signing of a joint venture between the Latvian state and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
October
On 1 October, airBaltic operates its first commercial flight from Riga to Stockholm, using the Saab SF340 aircraft with 33 seats.
1996
January
airBaltic introduces its first AVRO RJ70 aircraft to the fleet.
1997
April
airBaltic establishes a dedicated Cargo department.
1998
November
The airline's first Fokker 50 arrives in Riga, marking the start of a new aircraft type in the fleet.
1999
March
The first issue of airBaltic’s inflight magazine Baltic Outlook is published.
2000
October
airBaltic celebrates its fifth anniversary, connecting Riga with eight destinations and employing 268 people.
2001
June
airBaltic carries its one millionth passenger.
2002
April
In addition to its strong partnership with SAS and frequent daily flights to Copenhagen and Stockholm, airBaltic launches direct routes from Riga to eight destinations across Western and Eastern Europe.
2003
April
airBaltic introduces the option to purchase tickets directly via its website.
November
The first Boeing 737-500 aircraft is introduced into the airBaltic fleet.
2004
May
With Latvia’s accession to the EU, airBaltic gains the freedom to operate flights across Europe under the Open Skies policy.
June
airBaltic establishes its first base outside Latvia – in Vilnius, Lithuania.
October
airBaltic unveils a new corporate livery featuring an all-white fuselage and a lime green tailfin displaying the name ‘Baltic’.
2005
December
For the first time in its history, airBaltic carries more than one million passengers in a single year.
2006
January
airBaltic expands its network by launching 18 new routes across Europe.
2007
July
airBaltic becomes the first airline in the Baltic States to launch an online check-in system.
September
airBaltic starts Boeing 737 pilot training in a simulator at its Riga hub.
October
airBaltic launches the e-voucher – the first prepaid airline ticket in Northern Europe available for purchase in supermarkets.
2008
March
airBaltic announces the largest fleet expansion in the Baltic region by adding Bombardier and Boeing 757 aircraft to its fleet.
December
airBaltic establishes its second base outside Latvia – in Tallinn, Estonia.
2009
January
airBaltic management purchases the SAS shares in the airline.
October
airBaltic launches Baltic Miles, the first pan-Baltic loyalty programme.
2010
February
airBaltic opens the airBaltic Training Centre in Riga – one of the largest and most modern aviation training facilities in Central and Eastern Europe.
February
For the first time in history, a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci takes a flight. The so-called Lucan portrait travels on airBaltic from Rome via Riga to Tallinn.
June
airBaltic becomes the world’s first airline to sell roses 11 km up in the sky.
2011
June
airBaltic becomes the world’s first airline to sell tickets onboard.
December
airBaltic becomes the world’s first airline to sell cars onboard.
December
The Latvian government increases its shareholding in airBaltic to 99.8%, making airBaltic the national airline of Latvia.
2012
June
airBaltic launches mobile check-in.
December
airBaltic signs a firm order for up to 20 Bombardier CSeries (now Airbus A220-300) aircraft.
2013
October
airBaltic introduces an innovative food ordering system, enabling travellers to customise their in-flight meals after booking their tickets.
2014
February
airBaltic operates a special flight from Riga to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, carrying Latvian and Lithuanian athletes. The teams depart on a Boeing 737-500 specially painted with Olympic livery.
July
airBaltic becomes the world’s first airline to accept Bitcoin as a payment option.
2015
January
For the first time, an OAG industry report rates airBaltic the world’s most punctual airline.
July
Riga Airport welcomes its 50 millionth passenger on an airBaltic Munich–Riga flight.
2016
November
airBaltic welcomes the world’s first Bombardier CS300 (now Airbus A220-300) in Riga, becoming the global launch customer of this aircraft type.
December
airBaltic launches a legendary Christmas greeting video featuring its new Bombardier CS300 aircraft performing The Nutcracker ballet, reaching record engagement on social media.
2017
July
airBaltic sets a new world record for turnaround as its newest Bombardier CS300 takes its first commercial flight only 50 minutes after delivery from Canada.
December
The airBaltic Training Pilot Academy begins accepting applications to train a new generation of pilots.
2018
April
airBaltic Club, the airline’s flagship loyalty programme, is launched to replace the previous frequent flyer program, PINS – marking a new era of customer loyalty.
September
airBaltic is the official air carrier for Pope Francis and the papal delegation during their official visit to the Baltic States.
November
airBaltic presents a gift to Latvia on its centenary – a special livery for its Airbus A220-300, painted in the colours of the Latvian flag. On 18 November, the aircraft takes part in the parade honouring Latvia’s centenary.
2019
July
airBaltic successfully places a €200 million bond issue.
August
airBaltic honours the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way with a special tribute – three aircraft painted in national liveries and a song dedicated to the event.
September
airBaltic becomes the first airline to obtain full-scope maintenance capability for Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
November
airBaltic performs the world’s first Airbus A220-300 C check.
2020
May
airBaltic begins operating a single-type fleet consisting solely of Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
October
airBaltic opens a new educational programme for staff – the airBaltic Leadership Academy provides a solid foundation for the airline’s future growth through strong leadership.
December
airBaltic retires its last Boeing 737 aircraft, marking the end of an era.
2021
January
airBaltic becomes the first airline to receive the 5-star Skytrax COVID-19 Safety Rating.
April
airBaltic becomes the world’s first airline to issue non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with a special city collection.
November
airBaltic establishes its ground handling operations at Riga Airport.
2022
May
airBaltic establishes its first base outside the Baltics – in Tampere, Finland.
June
airBaltic receives the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Team Award.
August
airBaltic welcomes its 50 millionth passenger.
October
airBaltic launches its Planies NFT collection on OpenSea.
2023
May
airBaltic receives the 2023 APEX Passenger Choice Award of Best Cabin Service in Europe.
May
airBaltic introduces the option for passengers to purchase sustainable aviation fuel.
November
airBaltic places a new order to grow its Airbus A220-300 fleet to 100 aircraft.
December
airBaltic establishes its second base outside the Baltics – in Gran Canaria, Spain.
2024
May
airBaltic successfully prices a €340 million bond issue.
June
airBaltic marks the 20th anniversary of its Vilnius base.
June
airBaltic is recognised as the region’s leading airline 2024 by Skytrax, for the third year in a row.
August
airBaltic proudly celebrates the opening of its Technical Academy.
December
airBaltic sets new passenger record with 8.3 million travellers in 2023.
2025
February
Lufthansa Group announces plans to acquire a minority stake in airBaltic, with the transaction expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.
February
airBaltic welcomes its 50th Airbus A220-300 in Riga, featuring a special livery incorporating elements from all three Baltic States.
February
airBaltic makes history as the first European airline to launch free, high-speed in-flight internet powered by SpaceX’s Starlink, with plans to gradually equip its entire fleet.
May
airBaltic officially opens the Baltic Cargo Hub – one of the largest and most advanced air cargo facilities in the Baltics.
Baltics special liveries
airBaltic has one of the most modern fleets flying across Europe. Five of its aircraft have been repainted in special liveries to reflect the unique DNA of airBaltic and the Baltics.
Read more
- First flight:
- November 10, 2018
- Registration number :
- YL-CSL
- First flight:
- June 29, 2019
- Registration number :
- YL-CSJ
- First flight:
- August 8, 2019
- Registration number :
- YL-CSK
- First flight:
- April 17, 2023
- Registration number :
- YL-ABN
- First flight:
- February 16, 2025
- Registration number :
- YL-ABX
30 Stories for 30 years of airBaltic
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re sharing stories from the people who know us best. These voices show that airBaltic is more than just an airline – it connects people, creates memories and turns dreams into reality, touching lives in meaningful ways. Here, you’ll find just a few of those stories, with more to come across airBaltic’s social media throughout our anniversary year.
No stories yet.
The airBaltic family
The people we meet on board the aircraft – our flight attendants – are only a small part of the airBaltic “house”. The airline consists of the President’s Office and several departments, each important in its own right and also important in collaboration with other departments in order to ensure flawless operations at airBaltic.
Dress code
According to fashion experts, the best airlines choose a balance of retro styling and modern cuts to give their pilots and flight attendants the most glamorous and professional looks possible.
1999
2002
2004
2007
2009
2015
2018
2018
2018
2024
Item 1 of 11
Stockholm
On October 1, 1995, our first flight was from Riga to Stockholm, and it is still one of our most popular routes.
In honor of our 30th anniversary, a special anniversary flight will take place on October 1st.
Join us on flight BT101, departing at 07:10 from Riga to Stockholm (Arlanda Airport) — let’s celebrate together in the skies!
Fly to more than 70 destinations across Baltics, Europe and Middle East!
Book a flight