As football fans around the world celebrate the FIFA World Cup, airBaltic Pilot Academy student Mārtiņš Biders knows exactly what it means to dedicate years to pursuing a dream. Before beginning his journey towards becoming an airline pilot, Mārtiņš spent years on the football pitch, representing Latvian clubs FS Leevon and FK Metta. Today, his focus has shifted from scoring goals to flying aircraft, but many of the qualities that helped him as an athlete continue to guide him in aviation.
For Mārtiņš, choosing aviation was never about leaving football behind.
“Football has been a big part of my life for many years, and I still play at an amateur level because I enjoy the game,” he says. “Choosing aviation wasn’t about leaving sport behind; it was about pursuing another long-term ambition and challenging myself in a different field.”
More Similar Than You Might Think
Although football and aviation may seem like completely different worlds, Mārtiņš believes they have much more in common than most people realise.
“The discipline I developed through football has definitely helped me during pilot training,” he explains. “Qualities such as consistency, preparation, resilience, and performing under pressure are important in both environments. Football also taught me the value of teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement, all of which are essential skills for a future pilot. Playing football and flying an aircraft is more similar than you would think!”
The demanding pace of football prepared him well for the intensity of pilot training, where every lesson builds on the previous one and continuous learning is part of everyday life.
Success Is Always a Team Effort
One of the biggest lessons football taught Mārtiņš is that no one succeeds alone.
“Football is a team sport and aviation is very much a team environment as well,” he says. “Safe and efficient operations depend on effective communication, coordination, and trust between pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, engineers, and many others.”
The teamwork required in football translates naturally to the cockpit.
“My football background helped me understand the importance of working towards a common goal, supporting teammates, and communicating clearly under pressure. Those same principles apply in the cockpit, where teamwork and professionalism are essential to making good decisions and ensuring every flight operates safely.”
The Love for Football Remains
Although aviation has become his profession and main focus, football continues to be an important part of Mārtiņš’s life.
He still follows the sport closely and plays whenever his schedule allows.
“I still follow football quite closely and continue to play at an amateur level whenever my schedule allows,” he says. “I enjoy watching Latvian clubs competing in Europe as well as locally, and of course supporting our National team—in person at the stadium, where you can really feel the intensity of the game.”
“While aviation is now my main focus, football has been a significant part of my life for many years, so it’s something I’ll always stay connected to. It’s a great way to stay active, competitive, and enjoy the social side of the sport.”
Supporting Portugal, Dreaming of Latvia
Like millions of football fans, Mārtiņš always looks forward to the biggest international tournaments.
“The first World Cup I remember watching was in 2006,” he says. “Portugal has been my favourite team ever since and it’s the team I’ll always be cheering for.”
At the same time, he hopes one day Latvia will earn its place among the world’s best.
“I’m confident that one day we’ll also have the opportunity to support Latvia on football’s biggest stage.”
Combining Two Passions Through Travel
Being both a football fan and a future airline pilot creates unique opportunities.
Mārtiņš has already fulfilled one dream by travelling to Madrid to watch his favourite club, Real Madrid, play live. But there are still several football destinations on his bucket list.
“I’d also love to experience a Champions League match for the first time,” he says. “Madrid, Milan and Manchester would be my bucket-list choices. The atmosphere, history, and passion of European football at that level must be something special, and it would be an unforgettable experience both as a supporter and a traveller.”
For Mārtiņš Biders, football and aviation are connected by much more than travel. Both demand discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the determination to keep improving every single day.
Whether on the football pitch or in the flight deck, those qualities continue to guide him as he works towards his next goal—becoming an airBaltic pilot.
