In aviation, few influences are as strong as family — especially when that family is already part of the airBaltic team. At airBaltic Pilot Academy, nine current students have chosen to follow in the footsteps of their relatives who work or have worked at airBaltic, continuing their journey within the same airline.
These students are inspired by brothers, sisters, and parents — from pilots and aircraft technicians to cabin crew, marketing specialists, and management professionals — all united by one company: airBaltic. Eight of these future pilots are from Latvia, and one has joined from Italy, each of them driven by the example set by their loved ones.
One of these stories is that of Luīze, whose mother is still a cabin crew member at airBaltic.
“My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. She is the one who opened the door to the world of aviation for me,” says Luīze. “TSometimes, when my mom had short-haul flights, and no other options, she could take me to airBaltic’s office. I remember waving to her plane during taxi, and hours later, the joy of seeing her again. Those memories — filled with airplanes and anticipation — made me fall in love with the skies, just like she did.”
In her early childhood, Luīze never gave much thought to a future career. No one ever pressured her or tried to decide for her. She was given the freedom to choose her path. But the influence of her mother’s job was undeniable.
“I was surrounded by aviation,” she recalls. “Her uniform at home, little airplanes everywhere, kids’ events organized by airBaltic, and of course, the stories about flights that we listened to together with my dad after she came back. All of that sparked a desire inside me to be as cool as she is. By the time I was around 12, I realized I could only see myself in uniform — and only in the sky.”
At first, becoming a pilot didn’t even cross her mind. “I genuinely thought women couldn’t be pilots because I had never seen them in the flight deck. But then I discovered that yes, I actually could. And once that thought entered my mind, it never left. I knew I had found my goal.”
Her parents reacted with encouragement. “They were happy that I had decided who I wanted to become and that I had set a clear goal. I think they were calm about my future because I had a plan in my head for what I had to study and improve in order to get into aviation.”
For Luīze, the charm of aviation lies in its energy. “It feels like people connected to aviation are quick decision-makers, always trying not to waste a single precious minute. I love the hustle of the airport — it feels almost like the excitement of waiting for the New Year. I’m amazed by how many people stand behind a single aircraft’s takeoff — such a well-coordinated chain working together for one goal. And I love that aviation still feels special. It’s something magical, something that often marks the beginning of the happiest memories.”
Her time at the academy was both challenging and deeply rewarding. “I felt happy and proud that I had taken the first step and was moving confidently toward my dream. We studied a lot, and it wasn’t always easy for me. Most of the time, I turned to books or instructors when I had questions, since the training was highly specialised. My mom’s help became especially valuable during the company conversion phase, when she could share her own experience of things she already does so well and that I was just beginning to learn.”
For Luīze and eight other students at airBaltic Pilot Academy, this journey is more than just professional training — it’s a continuation of a family legacy. They are the next generation of airBaltic, inspired at home, and now preparing to take their own place in the skies.
