airBaltic plans substantial fleet expansion

Over the next three years, the Latvian airline airBaltic will acquire new aircraft, experiencing the largest fleet expansion in the company’s history. Following a deal in the weekend with Bombardier Aerospace, the airline will see deliveries of at least 8 new, fresh-from-factory Q400 NextGen aircraft.

The deal includes 8 firm orders and 4 options, with the deliveries starting in November 2009. The list price of one Q400 NextGen is over 25 million USD.

airBaltic president and CEO Bertolt Flick comments: “The features of the Q400 NextGen airliner make the aircraft a very attractive addition to our fleet. The performance, comfort and superb operating economics make the Q400 NextGen turboprop a highly effective product. airBaltic will start substituting its current Fokker 50 fleet with Q400 NextGen in 2009 thus increasing the capacity and efficiency of the airline’s regional operations.”

In 2008, airBaltic will add two Boeing 757-200 and three Boeing 737-300 to its fleet. Boeing 757-200, a new type for airBaltic, with 200 passenger seats will be the largest aircraft operated by airlines in the Baltic region.

airBaltic president and CEO Bertolt Flick: “Boeing 757-200 is an excellent airplane that will serve our medium-range routes in airBaltic’s network. Moreover, with its reduced costs per seat, Boeing 757 will help secure cheaper prices for passengers.”

Both new types of aircraft consume less fuel per passenger thus enabling airBaltic to have greener operations and less emissions.