Baltia Air Lines’ Boeing 747-200 (N706BL). Image: Baltia.
When we last took a look at Baltia Air Lines they had just been accepted into the Federal Aviation Administration’s Safety Management System pilot program. They had even debuted an outstanding new livery. Today, we have even more positive news about this 24-year old airline start-up. They are now training their first flight crews!
Earlier this week, Baltia issued a statement to their investors and the world that they have taken another step towards full operation.
A Baltia Air Lines 747-200 (N706BL) undergoing a C-check in Wisconsin. Photo by Baltia Air Lines
Many of you may be curious about Baltia’s goal. Their dream is to become a leading airline between the United States and the former Soviet Republics’ markets. They have announced that they will be based at New York’s JFK airport and that their initial route will be from there to St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo International Airport (LED).
Better still, they are going to do this with a classic Boeing 747-200.
Some investors do not believe that Baltia Air Lines will ever get off the ground and have voiced their concerns on the company’s Facebook page. While their concerns are valid, we have to point out that Baltia Air Lines has never been closer to liftoff than they are right now.
Actually, they have already taken flight – sort of. This year, they started conducting business, operating a Cessna Citation on various routes from Oscoda, Michigan. A far cry from the 747-200, but at least a first step.
The wing view of the 747-200 (N706BL) undergoing heavy maintenance in Wisconsin. Photo by Baltia Air Lines
As a “certified” classic aircraft aficionado and AirlineReporter.com’s Russian Aviation expert, the idea of a U.S. airline operating a 742 to Russia totally thrills me. As an aviation economist, I am also confident that their business model is unorthodox, but potentially successful.
The low acquisition cost of these classic 747s allows Baltia much more freedom in configuration and utilization. The lower monthly payments (if any) on the airframes will easily offset any differential in fuel costs they may face. If they are indeed going for a “luxury” or “boutique” airline image, they will likely be able to command an equal, if not slightly higher, yield as their competition. If they can spread the word and get forward bookings, I do not see any unique concerns they could face.
The engines for Baltia Air Lines’ “new” 747 await attachment. Photo by Baltia Air Lines
I remain hopeful for Baltia. One way or another, I hope to find myself on their very first flight.
BALTIA AIR LINES PHOTO GALLERY:
Sorry, Oscoda is in Michigan, not Wisconsin ! Former USAF Base, now used by Kallita as a maintence base….
Cheers,
Steve Tims
Or Ypsilanti-based Kalitta Air, as it’s most often known!
Cool post about a fascinating airline-to-be; good luck to Baltia boys…sounds like they’ll need it! BTW, what the history on this bird?
Mike H.
N706BL is a -251, so it was originally delivered to Northwest. It is 34 years old. The other 747 they own is a former TAP aircraft that was most recently with PIA.
I’m pretty sure they already sold N705BL. That was their first plane that they acquired.
N705BL was scrapped at Kuala Lumpur…