Airport, Baltic, Transport

"This was not an easy job. There were many skeptics, however we are moving towards the goal to develop regional airports and inland flights. Development of airports will contribute to Latvia's economy and infrastructure. It will turn Ventspils into an important transit city and will enhance the development of the region," minister underlined.

As the CEO of airBaltic Bertolt Flick pointed out that it is very important to receive support from the state for the regional development, infrastructure, transit links and port development.

"Ventspils port is a crucial factor, it has great potential. The regional airports will develop Latvia's infrastructure and will bring us towards the formation of the Baltic business hub, serving transit passengers and travelers. After some time these flights will become commercially profitable," the entrepreneur pointed out.

Ventspils City Council Deputy Chairman Janis Vitolins expressed gratitude to Slesers for the implementation of the project, underlining also local government's investments in the development of the airport, its infrastructure and staff training.

Ambassador of Russia in Latvia Alexander Veshnyakov expressed satisfaction, indicating that the flights Riga – Ventspils are "comfortable and low-priced".

As reported, airBaltic launched the regularly scheduled flights Riga – Ventspils on April 11.

Until October 24, morning flights will be conducted on business days at 6:50 a.m. (Riga – Ventspils) and 8 a.m. (Ventspils – Riga), while evening flights will be provided at 6:45 p.m. (Riga – Ventspils) and 7:55 p.m. (Ventspils – Riga).

Flights to Ventspils will be operated by Fokker 50 aircraft and will last 45 minutes. Online check-in will be possible for the Riga-Ventspils flight, which will allow passengers to avoid registration procedures at the airport.

The price of a one-way ticket will start at LVL 4.10 when traveling from Ventspils to Riga, and LVL 12.70 when flying from Riga to Ventspils. These prices include airport fees and transaction costs.

Ventspils is the second domestic destination for the company in Latvia. Two direct flights a day to Liepaja were first offered in the summer season of 2007, when direct flights from Liepaja to Hamburg and Copenhagen were also opened.

"We are very pleased to open a second domestic route in Latvia. The Riga-Liepaja route has developed successfully, and passenger numbers have increased substantially. This illustrates the potential for growth in domestic routes, and we are sure that the Riga-Ventspils route will also be successful," said airBaltic president and CEO Bertolt Flick.

As reported, airBaltic's turnover last year was LVL 163 million.

The turnover of the airline last year was 40.6% bigger than in 2006, when the turnover was LVL 115.9 million. In 2005, turnover of airBaltic was LVL 84.62 million.

airBaltic was founded in 1995. The main shareholders are the state of Latvia – 52.6% of stock and SAS airline – 47.2 of stock.

The airline's strategic partner is SAS, but it also has developed close cooperation with other SAS Group airlines.