Airlines

Discover the Rise of Nordica: From Regional Airline to Estonia's National Carrier





Nordica is a regional airline based in Estonia, operating both domestic and international flights. Founded in 2015, the airline is part of the Avion Group and has grown to become the national carrier of Estonia.

Discover the Rise of Nordica: From Regional Airline to Estonia's National Carrier
Helmy oved

Nordica’s history dates back to 2015, when the Avion Group, a joint venture between Estonian Air and the private equity firm Starman, was formed. The Avion Group was established with the goal of introducing a new regional airline in Estonia, and Nordica was chosen as the carrier. Initially, Nordica operated only domestic flights, but in the following years, the airline began to expand its reach to international destinations.

In 2016, Nordica took delivery of its first aircraft, an Embraer E190, and began operating flights to destinations in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, as well as domestic routes. The same year, Nordica became the first airline in Estonia to join the Star Alliance, a major global alliance of airlines.

In 2017, Nordica began to expand its fleet and added three new jets, two Embraer E195s and one Bombardier Q400. By the end of that year, the airline was operating flights to more than 20 destinations in Europe, including Amsterdam, Paris, and London.





In 2018, Nordica took delivery of its first widebody aircraft, an Airbus A330, which allowed the airline to launch long-haul flights to destinations in the United States and the Middle East. The same year, Nordica became the first airline in Estonia to receive the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, which is a globally recognized safety standard.

In 2019, Nordica continued to grow and expanded its fleet to include a total of nine aircraft, including three A320s, three A330s, two E195s, and one Q400. In addition, the airline launched flights to destinations in Africa, Asia, and South America.

Nordica has also had its share of challenges. In 2017, the airline was involved in a serious incident when an aircraft had to make an emergency landing due to an engine failure. Nordica was also the subject of a federal investigation in 2018 for alleged violations of safety regulations and labor laws.

Despite these challenges, Nordica has continued to grow and evolve over the years, becoming a major regional carrier in the Baltic region. The airline has also become a major employer in Estonia, with more than 1,000 employees. Nordica has also been a leader in safety and security, becoming the first airline in Estonia to receive the IOSA certification.





Nordica has come a long way since its inception in 2015, and it is now one of the most recognizable airlines in the region. With its fleet of modern aircraft and its commitment to safety and customer service, Nordica is well-positioned to continue to provide travelers with reliable and enjoyable flying experiences for many years to come.