Author: airBaltic.com
Source: airBaltic.com
Latvian airline airBaltic is improving its pilot employment model to provide competitive international ACMI (aircraft wet lease) export services to partner airlines in Europe. As part of this approach, the company is offering its existing pilots a voluntary work schedule model that allows them to travel to work from their place of residence in another country. To implement this model, airBaltic has established a wholly owned subsidiary in Switzerland, which is primarily responsible for the employment and assignment of pilots to work at the company's ACMI bases.
Providing international ACMI services is a key part of airBaltic's export business, allowing the company to expand export revenues, use resources more efficiently throughout the year and strengthen the competitiveness of the Latvian aviation industry in the international market.
Reklāma
airBaltic operates flights from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, and has home bases in these countries. In turn, to provide international ACMI export services, the company has also established home bases in Vienna, Brussels and Belgrade in cooperation with partner airlines. This model ensures balanced pilot workload and operational flexibility across the entire route network. Riga will continue to be airBaltic’s main operational hub and the largest pilot employment location. airBaltic’s crew employment model is being improved to more effectively support the company’s provision of international ACMI export services.
The new model is being developed considering the needs of international ACMI export services, the need to maintain competitiveness in the international market, as well as the pilots expressed interest in more flexible work organization and the opportunity to travel to work from their place of residence in another country. Participation in it is voluntary, and the model will complement airBaltic’s existing pilot employment system in the Baltic States, without replacing it. The new model will not change the pilots' personal income tax obligations – personal income tax will continue to be paid in Latvia in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework, while social security contributions will be made in accordance with Swiss legislation.
Switzerland’s alignment with EASA aviation regulations provides a familiar and stable framework for operations, while its central location in Europe facilitates pilot mobility and commuting options across various partner markets. The international aviation labour market is competitive and mobile, and maintaining a presence in multiple countries supports airBaltic’s ability to attract qualified professionals and ensure long-term operational resilience.
As international ACMI operations expand, part of airBaltic’s activities take place outside the Baltic states, serving partner airlines across various European markets. In such cases, it is common practice in the aviation industry to establish international crew employment structures that allow airlines to attract pilots more effectively and remain competitive in international markets. Similar to other export-oriented businesses, some operations are organized closer to the markets where services are delivered. All activities remain fully compliant with applicable European and national regulations.
airBaltic connects the Baltic States with more than 80 destinations across Europe and beyond, making travel easier, more accessible, and more convenient for customers across the region. The airline provides essential connectivity that supports tourism, business activity, and broader economic development. A full schedule of flights is available on the company’s website: www.airbaltic.com.
To publish this article please contact BalticTravelnews.eu editorial board
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