Latvia's airBaltic set to expand operations in Vilnius - Gauss

VILNIUS – airBaltic, the Latvian airline prevailing in the Baltic states, is set to keep the current growth pace and expand operations in Vilnius, lzinios.lt news portal said.

“We focused on growth in the Baltic capitals, therefore, are set to expand our operations in Vilnius, as well. It is important to include all concerned parties in the expansion of the airport. If the growth conditions are favorable, we will be able to expand our operations further,” Martin Gauss, president at airBaltic, said in an interview to the portal.

In his words, airBaltic raised its passenger flow in Lithuania by 28 percent last year, while its market share also increased.

“Our growth in Lithuania was bigger than in Latvia or Estonia,” said Gauss.

He forecast continued increase of consolidation in the air transport sector, however, refused to speak about sales or merger of airBaltic. Gauss also did not identify potential buyers, which may also include Lithuanian businesses.