A/S RAF-Avia

RAF-Avia was established in 1990 with the primary purpose of delivering parts and manufacturing materials for the Riga Autobus Factory (RAF). The airline officially began operations in 1991. Initially, its focus was on supporting the minibus production by supplying spare parts from various locations across the vast USSR.

Key milestones in RAF-Avia’s journey include:

1. Inaugural Flight: On May 31, 1991, RAF-Avia received its first Antonov An-26 aircraft, which was delivered from Kiev to Riga Airport. Just two months later, on August 19, 1991, the airline operated its inaugural flight from Riga to Nizhnij Novgorod and back.
2. Expansion and Transformation: Over time, RAF-Avia expanded its fleet by adding more AN-26 aircraft. In December 1994, the company transformed into a joint-stock company, with the Latvian State becoming one of the shareholders. This transformation coincided with the overall reorganization of the minibus factory, resulting in three independent joint-stock companies: RAF Assembly Line in Jelgava, ITC – Technical Engineering Centre in Riga, and RAF-AVIA Airlines.
3. Commercial Flights: RAF-Avia gradually shifted its focus from exclusively supporting minibus production to engaging in commercial charter services. The airline began operating flights for other clients, broadening its scope beyond spare parts logistics.
4. Privatization: In November 1999, RAF-Avia completed the privatization process that had started in 1996. The Latvian State sold its shares, and RAF-Avia became a privately-owned joint-stock company.
5. Fleet Diversification: By 1998, RAF-Avia was already operating four AN-26 aircraft. Later, the fleet expanded to include a larger aircraft, the AN-74. In 2005 and 2006, the airline diversified further by adding two SAAB 340 aircraft in a cargo modification. This move allowed RAF-Avia to enhance its maintenance capabilities and obtain certification for performing C-Checks not only on its own SAABs but also for other airlines’ SAAB aircraft.
6. Passenger Operations: In 2015, RAF-Avia decided to extend its operations to passenger carriage, leveraging its cargo transportation experience. Shortly afterward, the airline’s first passenger flight using a Saab 340B aircraft took to the skies.
7. European Reach: Today, RAF-Avia takes full advantage of the EU’s Free Sky policy, allowing it to operate flights across Europe. Its routes span from Scandinavia to Southern Europe, as well as reaching Northern Africa and the Middle East.

In summary, RAF-Avia’s journey from supporting minibus production to becoming a versatile airline with cargo and passenger services reflects its adaptability and growth over the years.