There are moments in life that challenge everything you thought was possible — moments where discipline, skill, and pure adrenaline collide. For me, that moment came when I flew in formation with the Baltic Bees Jet Team, Europe’s elite civilian fighter jet display team.
Based in Jurmala, Latvia, the Baltic Bees have built a global reputation for performing extreme, high-speed aerobatics in their L-39 Albatros jets — often flying just feet apart, pulling 6 Gs, and executing complex formation manoeuvres with military precision. But behind the stunning displays lies a story of transformation, dedication, and history.
The Cold War Legacy
Jurmala Airport, their home base, was once known as Tukums Airfield, a Soviet military installation steeped in Cold War secrecy. From 1939, this base housed squadrons, nuclear weapons, and operated as part of the USSR’s Baltic military fleet. When the Soviet Army left in the early 1990s, the base was abandoned — hangars crumbled, nature reclaimed the land, and the airfield sat forgotten.
But one man had a vision to bring it back.
Artyom’s Vision
Artyom Soloduha, team leader and CEO of the Baltic Bees, saw more than decaying concrete — he saw potential. Over two decades, Artyom and his team rebuilt Jurmala Airport into a modern aviation hub, home to 12 operational jets, maintenance facilities, and the Sky Zoo Aviation Museum.
The transformation is remarkable — from a Cold War relic to a centre of excellence for precision aerobatics.
My Experience with the Team
Flying formation with the Baltic Bees is no simple feat. It requires intense physical preparation to endure the brutal G-forces — training your legs, core, and lungs to handle the crushing weight that hits your body during high-G manoeuvres.
As we took off, flying just inches apart at over 500mph, the reality set in. You’re not just flying — you’re balancing on the edge of chaos and precision. Every move, every breath, every input matters.
For a few moments, you forget everything else — the world blurs, the G-forces press down, and pure magic takes over.
Watch the Full Experience
I filmed every step of the journey — from the gym training and behind-the-scenes preparation, to flying formation with jets literally “welded” beside me. You can now watch the full documentary, featuring exclusive cockpit footage, interviews with Artyom, and insights into the transformation of Jurmala Airport.
👉 Watch the Baltic Bees Documentary on YouTube
This project was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m proud to share it and showcase the extraordinary world of formation aerobatics, history, and human performance.
