airBaltic unveils special 50th A220-300 livery
February 10, 2025
airBaltic has unveiled a special livery celebrating its 50th A220-300 aircraft, marking a milestone for the Latvian national carrier, which received its first example of the type eight years ago.
Featuring an “artistic portrayal of the Latvian flag and unique livery elements representing all three Baltic states” – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania – the unique aircraft’s scheme was formally unveiled at Airbus’ production site in Mirabel, Canada. Alongside a representation of a woman wearing the colours of the Latvian flag, airBaltic explains that the design also “incorporates several other elements that are inspired by the rich heritage and nature of the Baltic region” including a ladybird, a swallow and a stork.
In preparation for its milestone aircraft, airBaltic first launched an international design competition In 2023, inviting participants to submit designs for the scheme. 840 entries were then whittled down to 21 by airBaltic loyalty programme members, with the winning design receiving over 30% of the total shortlisted votes.
After being modified to meet the technical requirements of the aircraft, the final design – incorporating 21 colours – was painted on the aircraft over an 18-day period, which for the first time, saw A220 paintshop teams employing stencil overlay techniques to realise the finished vision.
The specially painted A220-300 is set to enter service with airBaltic’s fleet later this month, with airBaltic CEO and president Martin Gauss elaborating: “airBaltic continues to lead the aviation industry in the Baltics, and with this rich culture in mind, we wanted the livery to reflect a glimpse of all the beauty the three Baltic nations have to offer. Every time it will take to the skies, it will proudly carry a small part of the Baltic spirit with it”.
He continued: “More than eight years ago, we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300, which has since become the backbone of our operations. This milestone aircraft represents the completion of our initial order and brings us halfway to our goal of doubling in size and operating a single-type fleet of 100 A220-300s by 2030”.
