Erno Hildén officially takes over as airBaltic CEO from interim leader Cālītis 

Latvian airline airBaltic has announced that Erno Hildén officially started his role as the new CEO of the company on December 1, 2025. 

In a statement, airBaltic confirmed that interim CEO Pauls Cālītis will return to his duties as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the Executive Board. 

“I am honored to join the airBaltic team. Together with the Executive Board and our teams, I will focus on ensuring continuity, strengthening day-to-day operations, and supporting the airline’s strategic development and long-term sustainability,” Hildén said upon assuming his role as the new CEO. 

Hildén, a Finnish national, has more than 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance. 

He was the Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SAS Scandinavian Airlines until June 2025, where he played a crucial role in the company’s transformation and capital raising efforts. 

Before joining SAS, Hildén held senior roles at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and at Finnair, where he served as Group CFO, COO, and a member of the Executive Board.  

The airline’s leadership changes began in April 2025 when Martin Gauss, the long-time CEO, was dismissed from his position after losing the confidence of airBaltic’s majority shareholder, the Latvian government. 

Following Gauss’ departure, Cālītis took over as interim CEO and managed the airline for seven months until the new appointment. airBaltic named Hildén as the new CEO back in August 2025, ahead of him officially assuming the position.  

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

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