airBaltic (BT, Riga) has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to unspecified parties for the purchase of either Bombardier Aerospace (BBA, Montréal Trudeau) or Embraer (EMB, Sao Jose dos Campos) equipment needed to replace its fleet of twelve Dash 8-400s, all of which are leased from Nordic Aviation Capital.

Airline Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Gauss told Reuters that the RFP focussed on the acquisition of at least fourteen new aircraft with more than 100 seats. Among the types under consideration are the E195-E2 and the CS100/300.

"We have asked the interested parties to come and make us an offer. This is happening now," he said.

Once a decision is taken this year, the order will be for fourteen aircraft, with deliveries to 2020. Given the Latvian carrier's growth plans, options for additional aircraft will likely be included in any eventual order.