Irīna Zaķe

Area Sales Manager

Irīna Zaķe has been part of the airBaltic team since the airline's very beginning. Her first working day was on January 24, 1995, as part of a project called LATSABIA – with the goal of creating an airline that would serve all three Baltic states. “The employment contract was initially for one month, and it was extended each month after that,” she recalls. “It was an exciting time, but also full of uncertainty and unknowns.”

At that time, several airlines were already operating in Latvia, including Latavio, Riga Airlines, and Baltic International Airlines – a Latvian-American joint venture that, together with the Latvian state, SAS, and Scandinavian investment funds, co-founded airBaltic. The new airline was built on the foundation of the former airline’s staff and flight operations.

Even the name airBaltic was no coincidence – just like SAS connects Scandinavia, airBaltic was created to represent the entire Baltic region.

Over these three decades, Irīna has seen airBaltic grow from a small company into one of the region’s leading carriers. “The airline’s development has been truly impressive in my eyes. It evolved from a smaller regional airline into a serious player on the European level.”

“The route network has expanded, the fleet has become more modern, and both digital technologies and customer service culture have developed significantly. The company is efficient and has always stood out for its flexibility – which has not only supported growth but also helped it overcome various challenges, including shifting market demands, global economic crises, and the pandemic.”

Irīna’s career path within airBaltic has been diverse. She has worked in the Customer Relations Department, Cargo, and also led the airBaltic city office. She returned to the Sales Department in 2011. “I’ve managed several international markets, which have changed over the years. My role has mainly involved B2B sales of airBaltic products and services. I seek new clients, identify new business opportunities, monitor market trends, and develop relationships with existing partners,” she explains.

When asked what has motivated her to stay at the company so long, Irīna answers simply: “The challenge. It’s a dynamic, constantly changing environment where you can’t stand still – it excites you, pushes your personal growth and development. And of course – the team. Amazing colleagues, true professionals, and passionate people.”

She emphasizes that one feeling has remained unchanged since day one: “Pride in ‘our’ national carrier, and belief in its ability to grow, evolve, and endure.”