In a heartwarming tribute to the unity of the Baltic states, airBaltic, Latvia’s national airline, has announced the 48 most beloved cities across Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, chosen by public vote, to adorn their Airbus A220 aircraft. This initiative, launched to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way, saw over a million votes cast, demonstrating the strong connection between the three nations.
The Baltic Way, a historic event on August 23, 1989, witnessed about two million people forming a 600 km long human chain through the Baltic states to express their solidarity and desire for independence from Soviet control. airBaltic’s initiative to name their aircraft after cherished cities from each Baltic country serves as a poignant reminder of this historical event.
The voting period, which lasted from August 5 to August 22, allowed participants from any nationality to vote for cities with official city status within the Baltics. Each country contributed 16 cities, resulting in a diverse representation of the Baltic region. The complete list of named cities is available on airBaltic’s official website.
Martin Gauss, CEO and President of airBaltic, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response to the contest, stating that the 35th anniversary of the Baltic Way is a significant occasion celebrating unity. He emphasized that naming their aircraft after these cities strengthens the connection between the nations and honors the historical event.
airBaltic operates a comprehensive network, serving over 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere, along with seasonal flights from Gran Canaria. The airline connects a wide array of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region. With their fleet now carrying the names of these beloved cities, airBaltic is poised to showcase the beauty and unity of the Baltics to the world.
