Air Baltic is one of the leading airlines in the Baltic region, and it has a long and interesting history. The airline was founded in 1995 as an independent regional carrier and was the first airline in the Baltic region to operate using the low-cost model. From the very beginning, the airline has strived to make air travel more accessible and affordable to the people of the Baltic region.

The initial Air Baltic fleet consisted of two Fokker 50 aircraft and one Saab 340. The airline’s first flight was on October 1, 1995, from Riga to Stockholm, and the airline soon began to expand its route network. Over the years, the fleet has grown to include ATR 42, ATR 72, Boeing 737-300, and Bombardier CS300 aircraft.

One of the most important milestones in the airline’s history was the launch of its first low-cost arm, Air Baltic Corporation, in 2004. This was a major step forward for the airline, as it allowed them to compete more effectively with other low-cost carriers in the region. This move also allowed the airline to offer more competitive fares and become a major player in the European low-cost airline market.

In 2009, the airline became a member of the Star Alliance, allowing them to offer more destinations and increased connectivity to the Star Alliance network. This was a major achievement for the airline and enabled them to expand their reach and offer more services to their customers.

In 2012, Air Baltic became the first airline to operate Bombardier CS300 aircraft. This was a major milestone for the airline, as it allowed them to offer more efficient and reliable service to their customers. The airline now operates a fleet of Bombardier CS300 aircraft and is one of the largest CS300 operators in the world.

In 2017, Air Baltic experienced one of the worst incidents in its history when one of its Boeing 737-300 aircraft crashed in Riga, killing all 54 passengers and crew onboard. The cause of the crash was later determined to be a mechanical failure, and the airline has taken steps to ensure that this kind of incident does not happen again.

In recent years, Air Baltic has continued to grow and expand its network. The airline now operates over 100 routes to more than 60 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. It is the largest airline in the Baltic region and one of the most successful low-cost carriers in Europe.

In conclusion, Air Baltic is an important and successful airline with a long and fascinating history. From its humble beginnings as a regional carrier to its current status as one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe, the airline has come a long way. With an impressive fleet of Bombardier CS300 aircraft and a network of over 100 routes, Air Baltic continues to provide an efficient and reliable service to its customers.