Ingūna and Kristaps

Ingūna Andže, VP Cabin Crew; Kristaps Kamarūts, First Officer on Airbus A220-300

The captivating world of aviation has the power to unite generations. Ingūna Andže’s journey with airBaltic began 21 years ago. It wasn’t a childhood dream of airplanes, but rather a decision made in adulthood.

“I was working in another company and flew with airBaltic to Stockholm for a business trip. Watching the aircraft take off and land, I thought – how beautiful it is. Nowadays we talk a lot about manifestation, and my experience was quite similar, because shortly after that trip I saw a newspaper ad that airBaltic was looking for a Call centre manager. I applied and, after three rounds of selection, I joined the company,” Ingūna recalls.

Two years later, she accepted the offer to move into the role of Cabin Crew Manager – a challenge she has embraced and where she continues to work to this day.

For her son, Kristaps Kamarūts, the connection to aviation began in early childhood. He admits that his mother likely sparked his interest in the field. “When I visited her at work at airBaltic’s Kids Days, I loved being on the aircraft – sitting in the cockpit, looking at all the instruments,” he recalls. “We travelled a lot, but the destination never mattered much to me. It was the act of flying itself that I loved. Even back then, I told my mother: I’m going to be a pilot.”

Ingūna remembers: “He was ten when he said it completely seriously. One of our relatives lives in the US, and Kristaps was already talking with a family friend there about where he could study for this profession.”

The path to aviation didn’t begin immediately after high school. “At first, I studied IT, but those studies didn’t bring me any satisfaction,” Kristaps says. Ingūna learned that her son had applied to the newly established airBaltic Pilot Academy only when he had reached the later stages of the selection process. He joined the first-ever group of cadets in 2017, completed the program, and became a First Officer.

One particularly special moment was a flight where Kristaps worked in the cockpit as a pilot, while Ingūna served as cabin crew. “I felt very proud to see my son as a professional pilot,” says Ingūna. Kristaps agrees: “It was special – each of us doing our own duties, but together on the same flight.”

Both Ingūna and Kristaps agree that airBaltic is much more to them than just a workplace. What keeps them here is not only the dynamic nature of the profession, but also the unique internal culture – respectful communication, the precision and order demanded by aviation, and the opportunity to share ideas and make a real impact. “We feel valued and that we belong,” says Ingūna.

Kristaps adds: “It’s Latvia’s national airline, and that gives a sense of patriotism. With the crew, we go on work trips that bring the team together and create a family-like atmosphere.” He also highlights the opportunity to work in an international profession while staying in Latvia. “You wake up at home in the morning, complete your flights, and return to your family in the evening. That’s a unique opportunity.”

Looking ahead, Kristaps sees himself as a Captain, continuing to fly with the “green tail” and always returning home. Ingūna, meanwhile, hopes to witness new stages of development and technological innovation. “Aviation never stands still,” she says. “And that’s exactly why it inspires us all.”