Riga. The Latvian national airline airBaltic continues the implementation of its new business plan, taking the necessary steps to adapt the company’s operations and organization to its future model. As part of this process, airBaltic is preparing workforce adjustments to ensure that the company’s structure and cost base are aligned with the future scale of the carrier.
Based on current planning assumptions, airBaltic estimates that the planned changes could affect approximately 500 to 700 positions across its bases in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. This is a current estimate, and the number may change within the course of the process. The range reflects ongoing consultations with trade unions on potential reduced workload arrangements for pilots and cabin crew, as well as the development of new organisational structures for the rest of the company (expected to be defined by mid-October). The airline currently employs approximately 3 000 people across the Baltics.
These changes are part of a broader set of measures under the new business plan, which prioritizes financial stability, a more focused network, and greater operational efficiency. As previously announced, the plan also includes a smaller Airbus A220-300 fleet and stronger year-round ACMI partnerships, while maintaining reliable connectivity for Latvia and the wider Baltic region.
Erno Hildén, President and CEO of airBaltic: “We recognize that this is an important and sensitive process for our people. Our priority is to handle it with transparency, respect, and care, while keeping our employees informed as the process progresses. No final decisions have been made regarding individual employees, and we will engage directly with our colleagues as the next steps are determined. We remain committed to carrying out the process in full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the relevant consultation procedures.”
More detailed information will be provided to employees during October. As individual decisions have not yet been made, it would be premature to provide estimates for individual bases, functions or employee groups.
airBaltic has already notified the State Employment Agency of the planned collective redundancy process. The company will continue to follow the applicable requirements and procedures as the process moves forward.
airBaltic will provide further updates as material developments arise, both in relation to the planned workforce changes and the broader implementation of its business plan.
The planned changes do not affect airBaltic’s current flight schedule. The airline continues to operate as normal, and all scheduled flights are operating according to plan.-
