airBaltic welcomed its 50th Airbus A220-300 in Riga

airBaltic welcomed its 50th Airbus A220-300 aircraft (registration No. YL-ABX) with a special livery at RIX Riga Airport. The event was attended by approximately 200 people, including employees of the company and the airport, partners, media representatives, and officials of the Latvian State, as well as Canada’s Ambassador to Latvia. This 50th aircraft features an artistic livery inspired by the Latvian flag, complemented by unique design elements representing all three Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. 

Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic commented: “Eight years ago, we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300 – an aircraft that has transformed our operations. Today, as we welcome our 50th Airbus A220-300, it marks a major milestone, completing our initial order and bringing us halfway toward our goal of a single-type fleet of 100 aircraft by 2030. As we grow, expanding both our fleet and horizons, we remain committed to innovation, efficiency, and strengthening our position as the leading Baltic carrier. Moreover, we are proud to celebrate this occasion at RIX Riga Airport – our home base and the gateway connecting the Baltics to the world. airBaltic is more than an airline; it is a symbol of Baltic aviation, known and appreciated globally. With this heritage in mind, our newest aircraft proudly showcases a livery reflecting the beauty and spirit of all three Baltic nations. Every time it takes flight, it will carry a piece of the Baltics.” 

Kaspars Briškens, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Latvia stated: “The arrival of airBaltic’s 50th Airbus A220-300 is not just a milestone for the airline but a testament to Latvia’s growing role in European aviation. This aircraft, with its striking Baltic-themed livery, symbolizes our region’s ambition, connectivity, and the strength of our national carrier. As airBaltic expands, RIX Riga Airport continues to evolve as a key hub, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, jobs, and sustainable growth in aviation.”

In late 2023, airBaltic launched an exciting livery design contest, inviting global participation in creating the livery for its milestone 50th Airbus A220-300. A total of 840 entries were submitted, and following voting by over 28 000 airBaltic Club loyalty program members, 21 designs were shortlisted. The top three designs all were acquired by airBaltic and represented national or Baltic region heritage, with the winning design receiving over 30% of the total shortlisted design votes.

The final sketch of the design was modified and redesigned by airBaltic to meet the technical requirements of the aircraft. The new A220-300 is set to join the airBaltic fleet later in February 2025. The painting of this A220-300 livery was completed over an 18-day period. A total of 21 colours were used to bring this design to life, and for the first time ever, a stencil overlay technique was used to layer colours by the Airbus A220paintshop teams in Mirabel, Canada.

In late 2016, airBaltic became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300 and since May 2020 operates all its flights with a single-type fleet of this aircraft type. Thus far, the airline has carried more than 20 million passengers on the Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The airBaltic A220-300s have completed over 200 thousand flights and flown close to 450 thousand block hours.