OSLO & RIGA – AviationSource Writer and photographer Joris Wendt was able to test airBaltic’s business class aboard his flagship Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

Details:
Airline: airBaltic
Flight number: BT152
Aircraft: Airbus A220-300
Seat: 2A
Route: OSL-RIX
Date: 15.05.2022

Registration and security:

After spending a weekend in Oslo spotting planes, it was time for me to head back to Berlin. I booked this flight as part of a one way booking from Oslo to Berlin.

It was my first time flying airBaltic and my first time flying the A220.

I arrived at the airport 2 hours before my departure, I checked in using the dedicated Business Class Check-In. Check-in was done within minutes, and the check-in agent even asked me if he should check the load factor for me in business class (spoiler: I was the only one up front) – what a treat !

I quickly went through Oslo security, which I always find very convenient and quick. After clearing the security line, I headed to the contract lounge, which airBaltic business class passengers have access to.

Lounge and boarding:

The Oslo airport lounge wasn’t particularly special. They only offered cold meats and cereals as well as overnight oats. The drink selection was quite good, especially the champagne, and I became good friends.

I left the lounge when my plane for the quick jump to Riga landed and headed for the door. I board first, even though priority boarding has not taken place.

Headquarters:

I settled into my 2A seat and was promptly given a menu for the flight and a welcome drink. 2A was a standard economy seat, at bulkhead level, with the adjacent seat remaining empty.

The free middle seats in the airBaltic business class have small tables which I found to be very good for work or as a “cocktail table”.

We left a little late. I was enjoying the view from the A220 as we took off over Norway. I loved the large windows, as they gave a great view of the engine.

Service:

Business class has been separated from economy by a real divider and a curtain.

About 20 minutes after departure, the flight attendant came and placed my meal, all on a tray. The appetizer, marinated mozzarella with tomatoes, was quite good, I particularly liked the tomato pesto as the main breakfast was offered.

There was only one choice, a spinach omelet with cream cheese, fried chicken and ratatouille vegetables. The dessert, the roasted granola with honey, was quite good too, I liked it, especially at breakfast.

With the meal service, I received a bread basket, with a croissant, two different buns, and Latvian bread. I went with champagne and a coke for my meal service.

The crew was very friendly and always looked after me. I felt very welcome on board and had a long chat before landing in Riga.

Final Thoughts:

I wasn’t expecting much from business class from a budget carrier but the service on this short flight blew me away, it didn’t match the fifth freedom flights I had with Ethiopian and Singapore Airlines , but a low-cost European carrier, airBaltic, showed its best side.

Comparing the service to any other European Legacy carrier, it was unbeatable. airBaltic made this experience very pleasant.

Another aspect that made this flight very enjoyable was the A220, the plane was very new and shiny. I loved the plane, the crew and the service. Good job, airBaltic!