Published on
November 25, 2025
As the recurrent training season begins, Latvian airline airBaltic highlights its comprehensive crew training programme. Each year, more than one thousand pilots and cabin crew complete recurrent training at the airBaltic Training centrein Riga, Latvia, to ensure the highest safety standards. During the four-day training, crew members refresh their knowledge of safety equipment, emergency procedures, first aid, firefighting, dangerous goods, crew resource management, and cabin service. This structured training helps maintain strong, long-term proficiency across all critical areas.
Diāna Marta Ruka, Senior Cabin Crew and Ground Instructor Manager at airBaltic: “Our recurrent training program is more than a regulatory requirement – it reflects airBaltic’s culture of safety and continuous professional development. The recurrent training focuses on revising normal daily operations and places emphasis on emergency procedures to ensure that crews are ready for any situation that may arise. By combining hands-on exercises with scenario-based learning, we ensure that our crew not only maintains technical proficiency but also strengthens teamwork, decision-making, and readiness for any situation. This investment in our people ultimately enhances the overall safety and confidence of every passenger we carry.”
AirBaltic’s Comprehensive Crew Training Program: A Commitment to Excellence and Safety
At the heart of airBaltic’s success lies its commitment to safety, service excellence, and operational efficiency. This dedication is reflected in the airline’s rigorous and comprehensive crew training program, which ensures that all cabin crew are fully prepared to handle both routine and emergency situations with the utmost competence. The airBaltic Training Centre serves as the cornerstone of this initiative, where crew members undergo a detailed, multi-step training process designed to enhance their knowledge, skills, and overall preparedness.
The training begins with a pre-assessment test, an essential first step that evaluates the crew members’ existing knowledge and competencies. This test serves as a baseline, helping instructors identify areas where additional focus may be required. It also helps the crew members assess their strengths and areas for improvement, setting the stage for a tailored learning experience. Following this initial evaluation, crew members engage in a combination of theoretical and interactive self-study, utilizing the airline’s extensive educational resources. These resources are designed to keep the crew members up-to-date with the latest safety protocols, customer service techniques, and operational procedures, ensuring they remain at the top of their game.
As the training progresses, the focus shifts to practical, hands-on sessions, which are crucial for reinforcing theoretical knowledge. During these sessions, crew members refresh their understanding of critical safety equipment, practice self-defense techniques, and rehearse emergency evacuation procedures. These exercises simulate realistic scenarios, including potential in-flight emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, and aircraft evacuations. This approach allows the crew members to react instinctively and confidently when faced with non-standard situations, enhancing their ability to handle high-pressure environments effectively.
An essential aspect of airBaltic’s crew training program is the emphasis on Crew Resource Management (CRM), which plays a pivotal role in maintaining safety and operational efficiency. This segment of the training focuses on the recognition and management of human errors, a critical aspect in high-stakes aviation environments. Crew members are trained to collaborate effectively with their colleagues, encouraging open communication and mutual support. This teamwork is fundamental to ensuring that all operations, whether routine or emergency, run smoothly and efficiently.
Another key element of the training is a comprehensive first aid course. Cabin crew members are taught how to respond promptly and efficiently if a passenger falls ill during a flight. This course equips them with the skills needed to assess and stabilize the situation until the plane lands, minimizing the risk to the passenger’s health and ensuring their well-being. The airline also ensures that crew members are well-versed in other essential safety procedures, such as firefighting techniques and passenger protection strategies, further strengthening their preparedness.
Furthermore, the training covers a wide range of airline-specific procedures, both on the ground and in the air. These include the review of emergency protocols, operational checks, and other essential tasks that ensure safe and efficient flight operations. By reviewing these procedures regularly, airBaltic ensures that all crew members maintain their proficiency and are always ready to respond to any situation that may arise.
In addition to safety and operational training, airBaltic places a significant emphasis on elevating the passenger experience. Cabin crew members undergo exercises that enhance their customer service skills, enabling them to deliver a top-tier in-flight experience. By focusing on service excellence, the airline ensures that passengers receive the highest standards of hospitality and care throughout their journey.
Throughout the entire training process, crew members are mentored and assessed by certified instructors—experienced pilots and cabin crew from airBaltic. These instructors bring invaluable expertise to the program, offering real-world insights and personalized guidance that help crew members refine their skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
Over the last three decades, airBaltic has grown into a globally recognized airline, known for its reliability, safety, and customer service. Today, the airline connects the Baltic States to more than 80 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus, playing an essential role in regional connectivity and infrastructure. The airline’s unwavering commitment to high-quality training ensures that its crew members remain among the best in the industry, helping airBaltic maintain its reputation as a leader in aviation excellence.
