He explained that at the moment it is difficult to say exactly how many passengers “airBaltic” could transport this year, because reservations are made only eight weeks in advance. “It’s a consequence of Covid-19, because people don’t plan ahead much anymore,” said Gauss.
–
The head of “airBaltic” stated that previously there were forecasts of 3.3 million passengers on the “airBaltic” route network, but “airBaltic” also flies with its own planes and crew to other airlines, which is an additional 1.5 million passengers.
–
“The total number of airBaltic passengers this year could be the largest in the history of the company, if no unforeseen circumstances occur,” said Gauss, adding that the passenger booking profile is currently only eight weeks, and people are not yet booking flights for November and December. At the moment, “airBaltic” exceeds the monthly plans.
–
Gauss pointed out that the airline could reach the volume of passengers before the Covid-19 pandemic already next year, if not this year.
–
“We are already exceeding the volumes we carried in 2019. If there are no new waves of Covid-19, the number of passengers will definitely increase next year,” said Gauss, adding that the business plan of “airBaltic” foresees that by 2026 seven to eight million passengers per year.
–
It has already been reported that the turnover of “airBaltic” last year was 204.1 million euros, which is 41% more than the year before, while the company’s losses decreased by 49% and amounted to 135.7 million euros.
–
The Latvian state owns 96.14% of the voting rights in the capital of “airBaltic”, while “Aircraft Leasing 1” owned by financial investor, Danish businessman Lars Tūsen – 3.86%.
—
