• 

  airBaltic

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  BI/BTI

  Airline Type:

  Hybrid Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Riga International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1995

  CEO:

  Martin Gauss

  Country:

  Latvia

airBaltic today shared that it will wet lease a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-900ER twinjet narrowbody. The flag carrier of Latvia is looking to give opportunities to the Ukrainian carrier following the challenges caused by Russia's invasion.

Making connections

airBaltic has been busy regarding partnerships to address operational difficulties across the industry over the last month. Just some weeks ago, the carrier's Airbus A220s began flying for SAS amid crew shortages. Now, the airline is extending its collaboration to another European airline.

UIA's 737-900ER and its crew will conduct flights across airBaltic's network on a short-term basis starting tomorrow. airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss highlighted that UAI has been a trusted partner of his airline for a long time. So, following the crisis that Ukraine and its population are facing, including challenges with the nation's flag carrier, his company is proud to wet lease their aircraft and provide short-term work for UIA's staff.

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A helping hand

UIA is grateful for the move. The airline's VP of Commerce, Sergey Fomenko, shared the following in a statement:

“We would like to thank our very good partner and friend airBaltic for selecting Ukraine International Airlines as a capacity provider on an ACMI basis for its network. Especially now, when UIA temporarily cannot operate flights to and from Ukraine such an act of international aviation cooperation is very symbolic and important. UIA as IOSA certified carrier is ready to deliver high-quality service on routes of airBaltic.”

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Notably, the decision taken by airBaltic will help ease global supply chain woes. It allows the market to keep up with planned flight schedules ahead of the busy summer season.

Broader impact

airBaltic has been keen to ease stresses within the industry as of late. It recently showcased that it is improving the student payment structure of its training academy to make it easier for aspiring pilots to enter the scene. This announcement came as the airline added another A220 unit to its holdings, bolstering the largest A220-300 fleet in the world.

Across the board, the airBaltic has been expressing details of its sustainability report. It has been increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), deploying emission-reducing tactics, and digitizing flight plans. These initiatives come at a time when the carrier has been speculated to be angling itself to join Star Alliance.

Overall, airBaltic is a clear supporter of Ukraine and its commerce. Earlier this month, the company emphasized that it won't return to Russia this year but will return to Ukraine as soon as possible. After all, the country constitutes nearly 7% of the airline's revenue. We can expect further partnerships in the coming months as general operational struggles across the industry are expected to continue.

What are your thoughts about airBaltic's decision to wet lease a Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft? What do you make of the overall move by the carrier? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.