In a recent appearance on Bloomberg TV’s ‘The Pulse,’ hosted by Francine Lacqua, Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, outlined the airline’s bold plans for expansion and a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO). This interview provided valuable insights into the future of the Latvian national airline, which has been steadily gaining attention in the aviation sector.
Gauss revealed airBaltic’s ambitious strategy to double its Airbus A220-300 fleet, growing from its current size to 100 aircraft by 2030. The airline sees the A220-300, praised for its efficiency and adaptability, as a cornerstone of its expansion plans. This substantial fleet increase will significantly boost airBaltic’s operational capacity and allow it to broaden its international network.
Partnerships are playing a crucial role in airBaltic’s future growth. Gauss highlighted a significant development: an extended wet-lease agreement with the Lufthansa Group. Starting in summer 2025, up to 21 airBaltic A220-300 aircraft will be leased to operate flights for Lufthansa, marking a three-year partnership and deepening collaboration between the two airlines.
On the possibility of an IPO, Gauss confirmed that airBaltic is in the preparatory stages, positioning itself for a potential public listing. While he acknowledged ongoing discussions with a strategic investor, he remained tight-lipped on specifics, hinting that further details will be unveiled in due course.
‘The Pulse,’ hosted by the respected Francine Lacqua, is known for its engaging interviews with influential figures in business, politics, and finance. Lacqua has previously interviewed prominent individuals like Emmanuel Macron, Christine Lagarde, and Bill Gates, making her show a respected platform for in-depth industry analysis.
airBaltic currently operates over 130 routes, offering flights from its hubs in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere. The airline connects travelers to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, solidifying its position as a major player in the region’s aviation market. As the company scales its operations, these developments are expected to create new opportunities and solidify airBaltic’s standing in the competitive global aviation industry.
