Published on
September 18, 2025
Latvia’s flag carrier, airBaltic, has started an inspiring project that not only brings alive the glorious cultural heritage of the Baltic States but also enhances the bond between the airline and the communities it operates in. A step that is reflective of the airline’s support for local pride, airBaltic has started naming its fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft after Latvian, Estonian, and Lithuanian cities and towns. This symbolic act is one of the airline’s continuing celebrations of the 35th anniversary of the historic Baltic Way, a human chain that brought together the peoples of the three countries in 1989 in a poignant expression of shared purpose and aspirations for freedom.
A Historic Vote for Unity and Identity
The naming of airBaltic’s aircraft is the result of a public voting contest that was held in August 2024, inviting citizens from across the Baltic States to vote for their favorite cities and towns to be immortalized on the airline’s fleet. The contest was designed not just as a commemorative gesture but also as an opportunity for citizens to express their love for their home regions and to celebrate the unity of the Baltic countries. The contest attracted over one million votes, illustrating the strong community engagement and sense of national pride that exists across the region.
From August 5 to August 22, 2024, participants in the voting process helped to shape a shortlist of 48 cities – with 16 cities from each of the three Baltic States: Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. This was a symbolic number, reflecting the airline’s fleet size at the time. The shortlist reflected the diversity and historical importance of the cities, which vary greatly in size, culture, and significance. Ultimately, the winners were chosen not only based on votes but also as a reflection of the distinctive local pride each city and town has in contributing to the broader cultural landscape of the Baltic States.
Elīna Prāve, VP Marketing at airBaltic: “Already 28 of airBaltic Airbus A220-300 planes now proudly carry the names of the Baltic cities! It is a way to highlight each town and encourage travellers to discover their unique character. Each aircraft is also a flying ambassador, carrying the names of these cities across our extensive network of more than 80 destinations in Europe and beyond.”
The Aircraft Livery: A Tribute to National Identity
In August 2025, airBaltic took the first steps toward this unique milestone by unveiling the names of the first three aircraft, which were named after the capitals of the three Baltic States: Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania). Each of these aircraft features a stunning livery that incorporates the national flag colors of the respective countries, ensuring that the aircraft are easily recognizable and serve as flying symbols of national pride. This initiative serves to strengthen the global identity of the Baltic States, particularly in the context of international travel and tourism.
The livery designs, which blend modern aesthetics with historical symbolism, serve as a visual reminder of the unity between these nations, despite their distinct histories and cultures. With these bold and colorful designs, airBaltic aims to inspire a sense of pride among local communities and a deeper understanding of the Baltic States’ shared heritage among international travelers. As the aircraft fly across Europe and beyond, they carry the spirit of the Baltic Way with them, making this initiative not only a celebration of the past but a bridge to the future of the region.
The Growing Fleet and Expanding Reach
Since the initial unveiling of the three aircraft named after the Baltic capitals, airBaltic has continued to expand its fleet, naming nearly 30 aircraft after cities throughout the region. These names are spread across Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, with ten Latvian cities, nine Estonian cities, and nine Lithuanian cities already represented. The names of these cities appear on the aircraft’s fuselage, creating a diverse and colorful fleet that will soon be seen flying across numerous global destinations.
However, this naming initiative does not end with the first 30 aircraft. There are still 20 more aircraft to be named, and these will be selected from the pool of remaining cities. The naming of these aircraft will take place gradually, in random order, ensuring that all corners of the Baltic States are represented over time. The process not only showcases the geographical spread of the Baltic countries but also highlights the regional importance of cities that may not have been on the global radar before.
Promoting Baltic Culture and Tourism
One of the significant outcomes of this project is its potential to boost tourism in the Baltic States. By associating airBaltic’s aircraft with well-known cities, the airline is offering a global stage for the unique cultural identities of these cities. For potential travelers, seeing the names of cities like Liepaja, Tartu, and Kaunas on the side of an aircraft may spark curiosity and interest in visiting these destinations, leading to an increase in both local and international tourism.
Furthermore, airBaltic’s expansion of its network is instrumental in promoting these cities as vibrant and attractive places to visit. As the airline continues to connect the Baltic States to over 80 destinations worldwide, the visibility of these cities through the aircraft naming initiative plays a role in fostering a greater sense of global awareness about the region’s diverse and rich heritage.Latvian CitiesEstonian CitiesLithuanian CitiesAizputeElvaAlytusAlūksneJõhviDruskininkaiDaugavpilsNarvaJoniškėlisLiepājaPaldiskiKlaipėdaOlainePõltsamaaMolėtaiOgreTallinnVilniusRēzekneValgaVisaginasRīgaViljandiŠilalėVentspilsVõruŠilutėViļaka
airBaltic’s Role in Regional Connectivity
Over the past 30 years, airBaltic has grown from a small regional carrier to a key player in global aviation. Today, the airline connects the Baltic States with over 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus region. Its strategic positioning and extensive route network ensure that airBaltic provides vital infrastructure for the region, not only for tourism but for business and cultural exchanges as well. By continually expanding its fleet and making important cultural initiatives like the naming contest part of its corporate identity, airBaltic strengthens its role as a key ambassador of the Baltic States.
The airline’s commitment to supporting the cultural heritage of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania through such meaningful gestures underscores its dedication to connecting these countries to the rest of the world. This initiative serves as a reminder that airBaltic is not only an airline but also a proud representative of the Baltic identity on the global stage.
AirBaltic’s Airbus A220-300 fleet naming project is a touching tribute to Baltic States’ unity and cultural history. Through the emotive symbolism of the airplane names and national flag liveries, the airline is assisting in highlighting the resilience and strength of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. With almost 30 planes already christened and a further 20 to join them, this project will keep on expanding, taking its message of unity and pride out across the world. airBaltic’s collaboration with the Baltic States people guarantees that their heritage will be on display for decades to come for everyone to see.
