The project named AMBER (Arrival Modernization for Better Efficiency in Riga) introduces more efficient procedures to lower emissions and reduce noise and was developed in cooperation with AirbusProSky and the national air traffic control agency Latvijas Gaisa Satiksme.
Announced in 2013, AMBER enabled the operation of Europe’s first green flights for turboprop aircraft, establishing new arrival procedures for Riga Airport that will shorten the distances flown, improve flightpaths to avoid residential areas - particularly Jurmala - and cut fuel consumption and emissions.
A reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 300 kg on every Q400 flight is claimed by airBaltic, which says when rolled out to its full scale, the green flying will reduce CO2 emissions by 5 million kilos annually.
“The new green procedures that have been established and flown with our Bombardier Q400 Next Gen turboprops will be available to any airline flying to Riga with the relevant aircraft equipment. The procedures will also be suitable for our brand new Bombardier CSeries jets,” said Capt. Pauls Calitis, Vice President of airBaltic's Flight Operations.
airBaltic was established in 1995 and is 99.8% owned by the state operating a fleet of 25 aircraft.
