newstodate.aero

Feb 02, 2022 (newstodate):  The first Airbus A220-300 aircraft to be delivered to the Latvian carrier airBaltic has performed its maiden flight.
   Taking to the air on February 1, 2022, the aircraft is now in its flight test program, with delivery expected by late March 2022.
   Already operating a fleet of 32 aircraft with the latest delivery on October 2, 2021, airBaltic received seven units in 2021, and in 2022 a further eight new Airbus A220-300 aircraft will enter Latvian registers.
   This will bring the fleet to 40 aircraft as part of the follow-up order for 50 aircraft, after which the airline still holds options for a further 30 aircraft with Airbus.
   In pace with the massive intake of new aircraft, the airline is to recruit 120 pilots and 200 cabin crew members by summer 2022, primarily among former staff.
   Apart from scheduled services in the Baltic markets, one part of the airline's strategy is to strengthen its role in the ACMI market, where airBaltic is today operating for airlines including SAS and Eurowings.
   Another option to keep the aircraft busy will be setting up new bases outside the home market as demand for air travel rebounds.
   In December 2021 airBaltic thus announced the opening of its first base outside the Baltic market.
   At Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, the carrier is to base one Airbus A220-300 aircraft to build up a network of connections to Oslo starting from May 2, 2022, with three weekly rotations; to Copenhagen from May 3, 2022, with three weekly rotations; to Frankfurt and Munich from May 2, 2022, with three weekly flights, and to leisure destinations Malaga and Rhodes from May 1 and 3, 2022, respectively, with two weekly flights.