airBaltic names Erno Hildén as new CEO, interim leader Cālītis back to COO role

Latvian airline airBaltic has named Erno Hildén as its new CEO, taking over from COO Pauls Cālītis, who had served as interim leader for the past five months. 

In a press release published on August 19, 2025, airBaltic announced that Hildén will officially start his role as CEO on December 1, 2025. 

“It is a privilege to take on this responsibility at airBaltic,” Hildén commented following the announcement. “My focus will be on ensuring continuity, supporting the Executive Board, and working together with the team to maintain operational stability and contribute to the company’s long-term objectives.” 

A Finnish national, Hildén brings more than 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance. Until June 2025, he served as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SAS Scandinavian Airlines.  

He previously held senior roles at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and at Finnair, where he served as Group CFO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and was a member of the Executive Board. 

“His strong background in aviation and finance will add important expertise as the company continues to develop its business and prepares for the next phase of growth,” said Andrejs Martinovs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of airBaltic. “The Supervisory Board looks forward to working closely with him and the Executive Board in the period ahead.” 

Until December, airBaltic will continue to be led by Interim CEO Cālītis, the airline confirmed. After that date, Cālītis will return to his role as COO and remain a member of the Executive Board. 

In April 2025, Martin Gauss was dismissed from his long-time role as CEO of airBaltic after losing the confidence of airBaltic’s majority shareholder, the Latvian government. As a result, COO Pauls Cālītis stepped in as interim leader.