With the current passenger flow, flights performed by Latvian national airBaltic airline to Liepāja have no economic justification, admits airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss.
He adds that airBaltic would like to perform flights to Liepāja, but according to the Commercial Law the airline is not allowed to service a destination, knowing that it will cause losses.
“We can suffer losses as a result of a business failure and then admit our plan was flawed, but not if we knew in advance that this route would operate with losses because of the size of our aircraft, projected number of passengers and ticket prices. In this case I would have to explain to shareholders why we are intentionally creating losses, and I have no illusions how society would perceive this,” said Gauss.
At the same time, he says flights from Riga to Liepāja would last 25 minutes, and it is a very good alternative to a car. “In 2027 Liepāja will be the European Culture Capital, and it is necessary to ensure the city appears on the map of European international flights,” says the airBaltic CEO.
Gauss also adds that in order to implement this idea the airline needs funding to secure marketing support and the support of local businesses. Another option is a state order – like it was with Estonia and Lithuania. The EU has criteria to allow this.
“But I still believe Liepāja should have an air traffic connection to Riga. They have a modern airport, and they would there would be people from around the world who would consider travelling there through Riga if Liepāja had a booking system. But some of them would not want to visit Liepāja for only three hours,” says Gauss.
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There will be losses. airBaltic about flights to Liepāja
