Expanding our route network means for us a substantial investment – in additional aircraft, staff, and other resources. Still, it is our network, the opportunities we offer to you qua customer to fly to destinations of your choice that keeps us in business. Our expansion so far has shown us that we are on the right track. You now have a choice of close to 50 online destinations out of Riga, 30 from Vilnius. In addition, you will find attractive and competitively priced transfer-flights from all major Western European and Nordic destinations to 15 cities in the CIS countries. By now, Air Baltic has developed one of the strongest networks when it comes to markets in Eastern Europe, including the Caucasus and Central Asia. Fuel prices are steadily increasing, putting strong financial pressures on airlines worldwide. A number of bankruptcies in the USA in March – April, brought about mainly by more costly fuel, clearly show the vulnerability of our business. Airlines in Europe have been starting to take closer looks at their ongoing operations, some of them putting aircraft on the ground. Air Baltic has not been immune to this development: we have been forced to introduce a surcharge on our regular fares in order to – at least partly – offset these exorbitant fuel costs all are currently experiencing. In April, Air Baltic has added a new type of aircraft to its fleet, the medium to long-range Boeing 757-200. The aircraft allows us to operate transcontinental routes, like our new flight Riga to Almaty; it also enables us to enter overseas markets. The 757 is a reliable aircraft, well liked by passengers all over the world. I am quite certain that you will appreciate our services onboard this new aircraft. Also in April, we have placed a firm order for eight brand-new short-to medium-haul Bombardier aircraft. These will be added to our fleet starting 2009. Enjoy your flight! Bertolt Flick
President and CEO |
