Riga is a strong GBS hub, and Norse Atlantic Airways, one of the city’s newest arrivals, has grown to 90 employees in a year, showcasing Riga’s global business services potential. To understand this success and the factors driving rapid growth in Riga, our team from the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency visited Norse Atlantic Airways to gain firsthand insights.
Evita Nedzvecka, Managing Director of Riga at Norse Atlantic Airways, shared insights into the company’s operations, positive surprises in Riga, and the city's unique business advantages.
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Could you tell us about Norse and your operations in Riga?
Norse Atlantic Airways is an airline committed to offering affordable fares on direct, long-haul flights to popular destinations, along with specialized charter and ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services for tailored travel needs, and extensive cargo operations. We operate a modern fleet of fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners, serving a growing network of destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Norse has more than 1,300 employees and revenue of USD 680 million.
The Riga office has become company’s new operational HQ and driving force for Norse’s growth, attracting world-class talent from across the region.
What were the key factors that influenced your decision to choose Riga?
Firstly, access to highly competent and skilled talent in the aviation industry in Latvia. Secondly, as an European airline, it was essential for the location to be within Europe. We also sought a place that shared our values and was relatively close to Norway. Riga emerged as an ideal choice due to its direct connections to the cities where our offices are situated, making its connectivity a significant factor in our decision.
What has positively surprised you since establishing operations here—something you didn’t expect?
I’ve got to say, I absolutely love how quickly we’ve managed to get things up and running in Riga. Back in January, it was just me as the only employee, and now, 11 months later, we’re wrapping up the year with an amazing milestone - 90 employees in the Riga office! We’ve achieved this while keeping our daily operations running smoothly and continuing to transport our passengers. It’s been an exciting journey so far, proving it is possible to scale quickly in Riga if you have the right product, culture and values.
In your view, what is the greatest advantage of being based in Riga?
That every decision maker is one handshake away. While building the operations, whenever I felt stuck, I always knew at least 3 other executives I could call for advice. That kind of accessibility and network makes all the difference. The same goes for support from government or state institutions. As a foreign investor, we feel truly welcomed.
How would you describe the talent pool in Riga? (We can add information on planned recruitments in 2026 if you like)
At Norse Riga, we’ve created something truly special by bringing together a team of seasoned aviation experts and talented professionals from fast-paced environment like startups but with no prior aviation experience. This mix of experience and fresh perspectives drives innovation and growth, proving that the human element is the key to our success.
In aviation, resilience is often measured by on-time performance, cost efficiency, or technical reliability. However, the true foundation of resilience lies in people. The biggest challenge isn’t the aircraft or technology - those are universal across the industry. What truly defines an airline is the people who shape customer experience, teamwork, and drive operational excellence.
What advice would you give to investors considering Riga as a potential location?
Firsly, reach out to foreign investors who’ve recently entered the Latvian market -they’ve gone through what you’re planning and can share valuable insights. Plus, take advantage of the free and confidential support from RITA or LIAA to fast-track your market entry - they’re well-connected with key stakeholders.