airBaltic Unveils 50th A220 Special Livery
airBaltic has unveiled a uniquely designed livery for its 50th Airbus A220-300, celebrating the carrier’s continued commitment to innovation and Baltic heritage. The distinctive design was revealed at Airbus’s Mirabel final assembly plant in Canada, where the nearly complete aircraft is set to be delivered in February 2025.
The new livery is the result of a public competition launched by airBaltic in November 2023. The Latvian-based carrier invited members of the public, loyal airBaltic Club members, individual artists, and designers to create a bespoke external color scheme for its milestone aircraft. The competition received an impressive 840 entries, and over 28,000 airBaltic Club members participated in the voting process. From the pool of submissions, 21 designs were shortlisted, with rights to the top three designs acquired by airBaltic. The winning design, which received over 30% of the votes, will adorn airBaltic’s 50th A220-300. In addition to having their artwork featured on this iconic jet, the winning designer will receive a €3,000 (approximately $3,278) gift certificate for use on airBaltic flights.
The new livery, now on the nearly complete aircraft (registered YL-ABX), is more than just a visual treat; it is an artistic tribute that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Baltic region. The design features an artistic portrayal of the Latvian flag combined with unique livery elements representing all three Baltic States—Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Sweeping green and red lines decorate the fuselage, while the wingtips and engine cowlings retain airBaltic’s signature green hue. An evocative sketch showcases a girl soaring through the clouds with long, flowing hair crowned by a traditional wreath, proudly displaying the Latvian flag. Additional design elements, including a ladybug, a swallow, and a stork, are inspired by the region’s natural beauty and cultural symbols. Although the final design was modified by airBaltic to meet strict technical specifications, the artistic spirit remains intact.
Airbus has praised the innovative design process behind the new livery. The painting was completed in an impressive 18 days using a stencil overlay technique—a first for the Airbus A220 paintshop teams in Mirabel—and required the application of 21 different colors. This creative process is a testament to both airBaltic’s commitment to excellence and Airbus’s ability to support forward-thinking design initiatives.
Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, highlighted the significance of the milestone. “More than eight years ago, we became the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300, and over the years, this aircraft type has become the backbone of our operations. This milestone aircraft marks the completion of our initial aircraft order and brings us halfway to our goal of operating a single-type fleet of 100 A220-300s and doubling in size by 2030.” Gauss further emphasized that the new livery is an emblem of the Baltic spirit. “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 this aircraft takes to the skies, it will proudly carry a small part of the Baltic spirit with it.”
As airBaltic prepares to celebrate this milestone, the carrier’s commitment to modernity and cultural heritage sets it apart as a leader in the aviation industry. With an impressive fleet of 49 active A220-300s averaging just 4.3 years in service, and a network connecting the Baltic States with over 70 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, airBaltic is poised to continue its upward trajectory in excellence and customer experience.
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