Latvia’s national airline airBaltic is continuing to implement its new business plan, gradually adapting the company to its future operating model. One of the steps under the plan is a review of staffing levels to ensure that the company’s structure and cost base are aligned with its future scale, the airline said in a statement.
According to current forecasts, the changes could affect approximately 500 to 700 positions at airBaltic’s bases in Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn. The exact number of positions has not yet been determined and may change as the process progresses.
The range reflects both ongoing consultations with trade unions on possible reduced-workload arrangements for pilots and cabin crew and the development of new organisational structures across the company. These are expected to be defined by mid-October.
The airline currently employs around 3,000 people.
The staffing review is one of the measures included in the new business plan.
As previously reported, its priorities include strengthening the airline’s financial stability, creating a more focused route network and improving overall operational efficiency.
The plan also envisages a smaller Airbus A220-300 fleet and closer year-round cooperation with ACMI partners – aircraft leased together with crew – while maintaining reliable connectivity for Latvia and the wider Baltic region, the airline said.
Erno Hildén, President and CEO of airBaltic, commented: “We recognise that the upcoming changes are highly significant for our employees. Therefore, our priority is to act responsibly, transparently and with respect for every colleague, providing timely information about the company’s next steps.”
“At this stage, no decisions concerning specific individuals have been made,
and the necessary discussions and consultations are taking place beforehand. The entire process will be carried out in full compliance with the applicable legal framework and established procedures.”
More detailed information will be provided to employees during October. As no individual decisions have yet been made, the airline said it is currently too early to specify the potential impact on individual bases, company functions or employee groups.
airBaltic has informed Latvia’s State Employment Agency about the planned collective reduction in staff numbers. Further steps will be taken in accordance with the procedures established by law.
The airline will gradually provide further information on significant developments concerning both staffing changes and the implementation of its new business plan as a whole.
The changes will not affect airBaltic’s flight schedule. The airline continues to operate as usual, and all scheduled flights are being operated according to plan.