Baltic Bees – energy under the Tatras
During the past weekend, visitors of Jasná AiR Race and Mara Air Race in Liptovský Mikuláš experienced unique air shows. The Latvian aerobatic formation Baltic Bees, which flies the legendary Czechoslovak Aero L-39C Albatros jets, visited Slovakia.
Poprad as a base thanks to the runway
Although the performances took place in Jasná and above Liptovská Mara, the Baltic Bees team had its base at the Poprad-Tatry airport. The reason is practical – Poprad offers a suitable length of runway, which aerobatic jets need for safe operations.
They started from Poprad for all the performances and returned here after they finished. However, they also delighted their fans at home – right after their arrival in Poprad they performed a short acrobatic surprise over the airport.
Perfect discipline – even outside the show
Baltic Bees arrived with four pilots and three technicians. We were impressed by the fact that every single flight, even outside of the performances themselves, was performed in precise formation – the team acted as a well-coordinated “swarm of bees” not only on stage, but also backstage.
The organisation was systematic: one technician always went with the pilots to the show, while two stayed in Poprad ready for servicing. They left their personal belongings directly at the airport. They brought them in additional tanks, which were dismantled after arrival and reinstalled only on departure. They spent three whole days in Poprad – from Friday to Sunday.
Aero L-39C Albatros – Czechoslovak legend
The aircraft that Baltic Bees fly have the indelible signature of our designers:
👉 The Aero L-39C Albatros was created in the 70s.
👉 It was the first training jet in the world with a turbofan engine – more economical, with a longer range.
👉 Over 2,800 units were produced and exported to more than 30 countries.
👉 It is still one of the most widely used training jets.
Baltic Bees – the only professionals in the Baltics
The Baltic Bees team is the only professional private aerobatic group in the Baltics. Their typical blue-yellow colour reminiscent of bees gave them their name. Characteristic are not only their aerobatic formations, but also their daring dynamic flights in tight formations, where the planes are separated by only a few meters.
In addition to European performances, they have also performed in China and the Middle East.
A weekend that connected the Tatras and Liptov
Their stay in Slovakia was proof that aviation is not only a technique, but also a passion and discipline. Poprad-Tatry Airport had the honour to be the base of this world-renowned team and at least a small backdrop to the spectacular performances that were etched in the memory of the spectators in Jasná and above Liptovská Mara.
✈️ Follow us – next time the Albatros formation can start directly from the Tatras!
