Lithuania's Contribution To Aviation History

Lithuania‘s contribution to aviation industry. History. Hot Air balloons. Hot Air Balloons. Gliders. Sport Aviation. Jurgis Kairys awards. Civil aviation. Statistics. Aviation companies. Small Planet Airlines. Small Planet Airlines Financial Results. Conclusion.

S. Darius and S. Girėnas were the first ones who made Lithuania known in aviation industry. “Lituanica” was flying for 37 hours and 11 minutes (6411 kilometers). This was the second best result in aviation history back in 1933’s.

S. Darius and S. Girėnas were flying without any radio navigational devices, parachutes, autopilot. Despite this, their flight was considered as the second most accurate flight in aviation history back to those times.

Antanas Gustaitis made a big step in Lithuanian aviation history. He designed and constructed 9 different ANBO (Antanas Nori Būti Ore) planes. In 1934 summer the group of military pilots have flown all around the Europe by three of ANBO-IV, flight distance approx. 10 000 km.

Lithuania was chosen to hold 2016 women Hot Air Balloon championship.

Lithuania is also famous for it’s gliders. “LAK” are the only gliders made in the Baltic region. They are constructed in Prienai. “LAK” are being assembled since 1969.