In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainable growth, Latvian national carrier airBaltic has entered into a long-term partnership with Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer. This strategic alliance involves Pratt & Whitney’s EngineWiseTM Comprehensive maintenance services program, designed to cater to airBaltic’s fleet of geared turbofan (GTF) engines powering their Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
The agreement operates on a power-by-the-hour framework, meaning airBaltic’s engine maintenance expenses are directly linked to the actual usage of their engines. This approach offers the airline greater predictability and control over related costs.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership: “Pratt & Whitney has been a long-term, trusted partner of airBaltic since we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300 aircraft type back in 2016. The aircraft’s PW1500G GTF engines have delivered a 25% reduction in fuel burn per seat compared to previous generations, resulting in significant cost savings.” He further emphasized the agreement’s alignment with airBaltic’s ambitious growth plans, which envision a fleet of 100 Airbus A220-300 aircraft by 2030.
Rick Deurloo, President of Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, echoed the sentiment of mutual benefit, stating: “We will provide long-term support to airBaltic to optimize fleet performance as they expand their route network.” He highlighted the GTF engine’s industry-leading fuel efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and smaller noise footprint, echoing the commitment of both parties to sustainable air travel.
This 17-year agreement for each engine offers airBaltic enhanced clarity and foresight in both maintenance scheduling and cost management. The airline, known for its extensive route network spanning over 130 destinations from key hubs in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere, with seasonal flights from Gran Canaria, continues to expand its reach across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region. This partnership further strengthens airBaltic’s position as a leading force in sustainable and efficient air travel.
