Latvia’s national airline airBaltic is looking to strengthen its position in Lithuania, particularly in Vilnius, as part of plans to expand routes and flight frequencies, the company’s chief executive said.
Erno Hildén, the recently appointed CEO of airBaltic, told LRT.lt that the airline wants to increase its presence in Lithuania and has prepared plans for new destinations and more frequent flights, some of which have already been announced.
“It is obvious that profitability is the priority – and it will continue to be the main criterion when making any decisions on expanding the route network,” Hildén said.
He acknowledged that the airline is facing significant financial challenges, adding that his goal is to return the company to profitability.
Asked about Latvia’s government proposal last year that Lithuania acquire a stake in airBaltic, Hildén said he has no influence over such political decisions. However, he said he believes politicians and the airline’s main shareholder would view such a move favourably.
Hildén, a Finn with more than 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance, was appointed CEO in December, replacing longtime head Martin Gauss.
According to airBaltic’s website, the airline currently offers 24 direct routes from Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga airports. In the spring, the carrier is set to launch two new routes – from Vilnius to Chisinau, Moldova, and Zurich, Switzerland.
The airline operates flights from all three Baltic capitals and has been expanding its network across the region despite financial pressures, seeking to balance growth with profitability.
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