Latvian carrier airBaltic marks a significant milestone today as it celebrates 15 years of nonstop service to Turku, Finland.
Since 2009, the airline has consistently linked the Finnish city with Latvia’s capital through daily flights. It offers travelers smooth access to airBaltic’s broad network and global destinations via its 24 codeshare partners.
Celebrating a Key Market
airBaltic’s CEO, Martin Gauss, reflected on this achievement: “Finland is a key market for us, and we’re thrilled to reach this milestone.”
“We’ve seen consistent growth on this route and remain committed to providing our customers diverse travel options through our Riga hub.”
“We thank our partners at Turku Airport and Finavia for their ongoing support and look forward to future collaboration.”
Echoing this sentiment, Finavia’s SVP for Sales & Route Development, Petri Vuori, added: “Congratulations to airBaltic on this significant achievement!”
“The Riga route has been crucial for Turku Airport and regional connectivity to Europe. We appreciate airBaltic’s excellent partnership over the years.”
The numbers speak volumes about the route’s success. Since its inaugural flight on July 9, 2009, airBaltic has transported nearly 400,000 passengers and completed over 8,000 flights between Turku and Riga.
The ongoing numbers demonstrate the relatively strong demand for this connection.
Expanding Presence in Finland
airBaltic’s commitment to the Finnish market extends beyond Turku. The airline operates eight direct routes from Tampere to various European cities, enhancing connectivity for Finnish travelers.
In 2024, airBaltic further expanded its Finnish network by introducing a new route from Tampere to Palma de Mallorca.
This strategic growth now allows the airline to connect Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku to a multitude of global destinations via its main hub in Riga.
Turku: A Hidden Gem in Finland
Turku, Finland’s oldest city and former capital, is a destination worthy of exploration. Situated on the southwest coast, Turku blends rich history with modern vibrancy.
The city is renowned for its medieval Turku Castle, a testament to Finland’s historical legacy. The stunning Turku Cathedral dominates the city’s skyline.
The Aura River, flowing through the heart of Turku, is lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a focal point for both locals and visitors.
In summer, the riverbanks come alive with events and outdoor dining, while winter sees the city transform into a festive wonderland.
Turku’s thriving arts scene, exemplified by its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2011, continues to attract culture enthusiasts. The city also boasts a strong academic presence with its universities, contributing to a youthful and innovative atmosphere.
For nature lovers, the nearby Turku Archipelago offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities. This makes Turku an ideal gateway to explore Finland’s natural beauty.
Htm, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
airBaltic: Connecting Europe and Beyond
From its main hubs in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally from Gran Canaria, airBaltic serves over 130 routes.
These connect to a wide array of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region.
All airBaltic flights offer both Economy and Business Class options. Business Class passengers enjoy a range of perks, including priority check-in, front-cabin seating, gourmet meals, and unlimited drinks, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious travel experience.
Founded in 1995, airBaltic has grown into a respected name in European aviation. The airline, primarily owned by the Latvian state (97.97%), connects over 70 destinations and employs more than 2,500 people.
Its modern fleet comprises 47 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, positioning it as one of Europe’s most technologically advanced airlines.
airBaltic’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous accolades, including Skytrax’s best regional airline award for three consecutive years.
It gained IATA’s 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Team Award and the 2023 APEX Passenger Choice Award for Best Cabin Service in Europe.
On the innovation front it garnered the 2024 PROS AI Innovator Award for leveraging AI in operations.
As airBaltic celebrates this 15-year milestone with Turku, it continues to strengthen its position as a key player in European aviation.
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