Renārs Krīgers

Head of Marketing and Communications at Latvian Football Federation

“When we think about travelling, we think about airBaltic,” says Renārs. “It’s part of our daily life and of the big moments in Latvian football. The friendship between airBaltic and the Latvian Football Federation is so longstanding that we can’t even recall the first meeting.”

airBaltic has always been alongside the Federation – from UEFA and FIFA qualification matches to last-minute flights for seminars, business meetings with partners, training sessions, and more.

“There’s always a deep sense of pride, especially when the journey is on an aircraft in the special livery painted in the colors of Latvia’s national flag. These are symbolic, emotional moments that stay with you,” Renārs notes.

The Federation flies regularly with airBaltic – more than 10 national teams travel each year to various European destinations, with the airline’s route network matching the Federation’s needs perfectly. “airBaltic always offers a solution. The team managing our flights are top-level professionals – even in the most complex situations, we feel their support and involvement,” Renārs says.

One of the greatest advantages of this partnership, he points out, is airBaltic’s location in Riga: “Our partners at the airline understand the needs of sport, respond quickly, and are always just a phone call away. The modern Airbus fleet with Latvian city names, special lighting, music, and a cozy atmosphere, creates a real sense of belonging. For us as athletes, that feeling means a lot – it provides both comfort and motivation. Over the years, we’ve developed genuinely warm relations, and we feel like part of one team.”

Renārs also emphasises the unpredictable nature of football: “Things can change at the last minute – a player gets injured, another has to be called in, flights need to be rescheduled. airBaltic helps arrange it all without unnecessary bureaucracy, allowing us to focus on what matters most – football.”

There have also been some memorable adventures along the way. “Once, on the way home from an away match, our head coach realized at the airport that he had left his passport and wallet at the hotel. We called airBaltic – they held the flight until we found the documents. I truly regret that other passengers were inconvenienced, but this experience showed the true spirit of partnership – with understanding and mutual respect,” Renārs recalls.

As for his wish for airBaltic, Renārs smiles – it would be to see one aircraft in full Latvian football livery. “We, the Latvian Football Federation, are proud to be part of airBaltic’s story. Together, we are Latvia. And our story isn’t over yet – it’s still being written.”