airBaltic partners ERV for online travel insurance distribution

Online, March 30, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Comprehensive travel insurance for customers of renowned Latvian airline

Latvian airline airBaltic, Airline of the Year 2009/2010 and Gold Award winner has signed a global agreement to distribute travel insurance with ERV, one of the leading global players in the international travel insurance industry. The insurance is offered as part of the flight booking process and can also be booked separately. airBaltic will initially offer the insurances in their major 15 European markets and intends to gradually roll it out to other markets.

ERV is a member of the ERGO Insurance Group and thus part of Munich Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers and risk carriers. With premium income amounting to € 17.7 billion, ERGO is one of the major insurance groups in Europe. Worldwide, ERGO is represented in over 30 countries, focussing on the regions of Europe and Asia. In Europe, ERGO is the No. 1 in the health and legal expenses insurance segments.
"ERV has been providing innovative eCommerce travel insurance and assistance services to travel industry leaders for years. Especially in today's economic climate, customers are more cautious and wary of potential disruptions to their travel plans. Our tailored products ensure peace of mind and financial protection for every airBaltic customer" said Ron Hemelrijk, Director International Sales & Marketing, ERV.
"airBaltic is experiencing rapid growth that relies on demands for total quality "added Ron Hemelrijk. "We are particularly pleased to have been able to provide airBaltic and its customers with travel insurance solutions that meet these demands."
Tadas Vizgirda, Executive VP and General Manager airBaltic Lithuania said, "The solution offered by ERV allows our customers worldwide to book travel insurance on the airBaltic websites, managed in their local, native language - something they have been clearly requesting. By integrating insurance in our flight booking process we are able to provide the right product in a convenient way. This will make airBaltic an even more attractive place to do business with. Moreover, travel insurance is an important source of ancillary revenues."

ERGO with its local subsidiaries in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, will service the airBaltic clients in the Baltic States. In the other 12 European countries, ERV will provide the travel insurance for airBaltic customers.

Dr. Kestutis Bagdonavicius, CEO of ERGO in the Baltic States: "International business has become an important mainstay of the ERGO Group in recent years, and is growing strongly. A truly global player must establish a solid local presence in each of its main markets, draw on the diversity of its teams throughout the world and be rooted in the culture of each country of operation. ERGO in the Baltic States shares best practice in the group and that way gives a good advantage to its customers all over the world".