It is a big improvement, but it also creates new problems for the airports, which are forced to separate non-Schengen from Schengen passengers. Many terminals have not been built to this end, so new and smart solutions have to be found, and found quickly. However, despite all our efforts to cope with this new situation you might at times be inconvenienced. Please be patient, both with the airports and with us the airline. The combination of high passenger growth and a principle procedure change is quite a challenge – but, together with the airports we are working diligently to find efficient solutions. For once there is also some good news coming from Brussels concerning EU security regulations. It looks as if procedures concerning liquids carried in passenger hand luggage will be modified, or lifted altogether. I have always had serious doubts that the rules in question have contributed to safety – but, it is difficult to argue against issues with regard to security. Lifting these rules will make traveling much easier compared to today, especially when changing flights along one’s route. I can only congratulate the European Parliament to this initiative, which, of course, should have come from the security services that introduced these cumbersome rules in the first place. For the first time in airBaltic’s history we have placed a firm order for new aircraft. We have signed an agreement with the Canadian manufacturer Bombardier for the delivery of eight Dash Q 400 New Generation (NG) aircraft starting November 2009; the order also contains an option for four more aircraft, with delivery starting in 2010. The list price for these aircraft is approximately 200 MUSD. The Dash Q 400 NG is the fastest turboprop aircraft in operation today, having an improved landing gear, cabin interior, and upgraded engines. The Q 400 NGs are going to replace our present fleet of eight Fokker 50s. They will operate on our regional network – to my opinion this aircraft fits perfectly our need on short-haul operations. The Q 400 NG is far more fuel efficient than any of the regional jets, and it flies almost as fast. Problems that some operators have experienced with the old Dash Q 400 have been well taken care of by the NG series. The only worrisome aspect is that airBaltic has to wait for more than one year until the first aircraft arrives. I wish you an enjoyable flight! Bertolt Flick
President and CEO |
