In 2006, Latvians averaged just under 1 flight per capita, in Lithuania the number was 0,5. Passenger numbers at Riga airport will have to grow from 2,2 million to 5,5 million for Latvia to even reach the EU average of flights, for Lithuania from 1,5 Million to 8 Million. This does not take into account the substantially higher potential due to transit traffic and the effect of substantially reduced ticket prices, which can lead to a far more dynamic development.

There are a lot of discussions both in Latvia and Lithuania how air traffic will develop in the respective markets. The declared ambition of the airport in Vilnius to reach 3 million passengers within 10 years is clearly underestimating the potential of the market. This is dangerous, because infrastructure investments have to be carried out first to create the basis for growth.

This spring, airBaltic will offer a number of new flights both from Riga and from Vilnius. From Riga, we will start flights to Gomel in Belarus, to Athens and to Rome. airBaltic will be the only Western carrier to fly to two destinations in Belarus. Belarus is a neighbouring country to Latvia and Lithuania and frequent air services are of a high importance for the development of economic ties between the countries.

From Vilnius, we will offer new flights to Rome, Milan and Brussels. Unfortunately, we are still not able to offer flights outside the EU from this city, even to destinations which are currently not served by other airlines. It is not quite clear to me which interests are being served if we do not receive the permission to fly to destinations that otherwise will not be served at all. It does not protect national Lithuanian aviation, and it certainly does not serve the travelling public.

We will continue to work on the development of direct services from Vilnius and Riga, at very attractive prices.

Have a good flight!

Bertolt Flick
President &CEO