Air Baltic is the flag carrier of Latvia with its head office on the grounds of Riga International Airport. Its hub is Riga, with further bases in Tallin Airport and Vilnius Airport. The airline was established as a joint venture between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Government of Latvia. In January 2009, SAS sold its entire stake in the company.
Air Baltic operates 12 Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft with 76 seats, 4 Boeing 737-300 aircraft with 142 seats and 22 newer Airbus A220 aircraft with 145 seats.
I took a morning flight from Zurich to Riga and checked-in online. As gate seat changes cost extra (12 Euro) I waited to board last and then took an emergency exit seat which offered a fantastic legroom. The aircraft was a 20 year old Boeing 737-300 and Air Baltic offers BOB (buy on board) menu offering food and drinks for purchase.
The crew conducted a manual safety demo and a special “overwing” exit briefing which I found to be very professional.
Most passengers did not buy anything from the options so the flight was very relaxed.
Air Baltic offers low fares and I found the service in a good price/performance ratio representing good value for money.
They will start nonstop flights between Zurich and Vilnius and Tallin this Spring (2020) and I hope I can soon try the newer A220.
SWISSTRAVELMANAGER 