Air Baltic, the largest airline in the Baltic States, is set to achieve climate-neutral flying by 2050, according to Martin Gauss, the German boss of the German Press Agency. „We can’t do it quickly. We can only do that in a structured approach. But I still think that in 2050, maybe not the last airline, but the majority of air passenger transport will be emission-free. I’m pretty sure of that,” he said.
Air Baltic has ordered 50 Airbus A220s and has an option for 30 more. The renewal of the fleet is expected to serve the state-owned company’s IPO planned for 2024. The first quarter of 2022 was the best in Air Baltic’s history, with plane rental solving pandemic problems.
Air Baltic was also affected by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and partially offset its losses by leasing its aircraft and crews to Lufthansa companies like Swiss. The airline also cooperates directly with Lufthansa, offering some flights with flight numbers of both companies (codeshare). Lufthansa’s entry into Ita Airways is a strategic step which aims to secure one of Europe’s strongest markets and unite it under one roof.