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airBaltic launches Swiss subsidiary to enhance ACMI pilot employment flexibility
Latvian carrier airBaltic formed airBaltic Switzerland to improve pilot employment terms and support expanding ACMI services across Europe.
The gist
airBaltic established a Swiss subsidiary to offer flexible pilot employment and grow its ACMI operations in Europe.
Latvian airline airBaltic has established a wholly owned subsidiary, airBaltic Switzerland, to bolster its position in the international ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) market. Registered in May 2026 with 20,000 Swiss francs in capital, the new entity specializes in aviation personnel provision, particularly pilot employment and brokerage for airBaltic's expanding wet-lease operations across European partner hubs.
The initiative introduces a voluntary commuting roster for pilots, allowing them to remain based in their home countries instead of relocating to Baltic bases such as Riga, Tallinn, or Vilnius. This model directly addresses pilot feedback seeking better work-life balance and helps mitigate issues related to frequent commuting and long-term relocation. Pilots under the Swiss subsidiary can be assigned to ACMI bases in cities including Vienna, Brussels, and Belgrade, closer to operational centers to reduce travel fatigue and improve schedule reliability.
Despite the new arrangement, Riga continues as airBaltic's main operational center and largest pilot employment hub. Participation in the Swiss subsidiary employment model is entirely optional, complementing rather than replacing the Baltic employment system. Income tax remains payable in Latvia per regulations, while social security contributions are made under Swiss jurisdiction, reflecting a hybrid compliance structure.
airBaltic's ACMI operations represent a fast-growing sector of its business, with the airline reporting around 30,000 ACMI flights in 2025, a 14.5% increase compared to the previous year. Approximately one-fifth of airBaltic's total revenue derives from these wet-lease services, which help partner airlines meet seasonal demand and capacity fluctuations. By optimizing pilot deployment, airBaltic aims to improve resource utilization year-round while reducing costs tied to expatriate arrangements.
The creation of airBaltic Switzerland aims to enhance competitive ACMI offerings by enabling more predictable pilot scheduling and decreasing operational expenses. This strategic flexibility fosters reliable wet-lease solutions for European carriers and strengthens airBaltic's position in the international ACMI market. The airline maintains a young fleet, exclusively Airbus A220-300s, servicing both its own scheduled routes and increasing ACMI partnerships, including with Lufthansa Group.
From a staffing perspective, airBaltic's new model supports experienced pilot recruitment and retention through voluntary commuting, flexible rosters, clear career paths, and competitive salaries with predictable increases. This approach aligns with airBaltic's broader goals to sustain long-term talent and create an appealing employment environment across Europe.
The subsidiary also contributes positively to the Baltic aviation sector by generating export income and enhancing fleet utilization, marking airBaltic as an adaptable and dynamic player capable of evolving with market demands. This step complements ongoing plans to grow the fleet towards a target of up to 100 aircraft, balancing operational efficiency with workforce satisfaction.
By refining pilot employment via the Swiss subsidiary, airBaltic pursues sustainable growth in both scheduled and ACMI markets. The model benefits pilots by offering improved work-life balance and partner airlines by providing dependable wet-lease services. This initiative advances airBaltic's strategic vision to excel competitively within Europe's aviation landscape.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of airBaltic establishing a Swiss subsidiary?
- To create a more flexible and competitive pilot employment framework that supports airBaltic's expanding ACMI operations across European partner bases.
- How does the new pilot employment model improve work-life balance?
- It introduces a voluntary commuting roster allowing pilots to work from their home countries instead of relocating to Baltic bases, reducing travel fatigue and improving scheduling predictability.
- What percentage of airBaltic's revenue did ACMI operations contribute in 2025?
- Approximately 20% of airBaltic's total revenue came from ACMI wet-lease services in 2025.
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