Attempts by AirBaltic to attract additional funding have so far been unsuccessful – the placement of shares on the stock exchange is currently off the agenda. Although the number of passengers increased in the first quarter, the more than twofold rise in aviation fuel prices has again reduced earning opportunities. This is reported by rus.err.ee.
In Latvia itself, the government has agreed to provide AirBaltic with a short-term loan; however, the parliamentary committee is stalling this decision. The airline's actual need for funds by the end of the year is significantly greater. In this situation, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina wants to discuss with Estonia and Lithuania what the contribution of neighboring countries could be.
"I believe that in the Baltic region, we need to coordinate aviation together. I will discuss the current situation with my Baltic colleagues in both Estonia and Lithuania, as I know that they also actively use AirBaltic flights," said Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina.
"Silina did not specify what exactly Latvia expects from Estonia and Lithuania this time. Previously, neighbors were offered a stake in AirBaltic on the same terms as Lufthansa, but Estonia declined and decided to invest in direct air connections through Tallinn Airport," writes rus.err.ee.
The previous Lithuanian government resigned before a decision was made, and the current ministers confirmed that the issue of AirBaltic is not on the agenda.
Estonia has not yet received any new proposals from Latvia regarding the airline.
"Certainly, we discuss any proposals that our neighbors send us. But that does not mean that we agree to them immediately. And owning the airline itself is not the goal. However, having air routes and direct connections is certainly important, and here we made a conscious choice in Estonia through our contribution to the airport," said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
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