Start-up US carrier Baltia Air Lines has taken delivery of its first aircraft in advance of planned transatlantic services to eastern Europe.
The airline has acquired a Boeing 747 and aims to be the only US carrier flying between New York and St Petersburg.
No dates for the start of flights has been given although Baltia says it has received US Department of Transportation approval.
The carrier’s aim is to become the “leading US airline” in the transatlantic market between major US cities and capitals eastern Europe, including Russia, Latvia, Ukraine and Belarus.
A “high quality” three-class passenger service is planned initially on the New York-St Petersburg route.
Executive vice president Russell Thal said: “The purchase of the aircraft, which was paid for in full, is a major event for us.
“To date, Baltia Air Lines has no debt, and we intend to expand our fleet using revenues generated once we start flight operations.”
by Phil Davies
