airBaltic Appoints Erno Hildén as New Chief Executive Officer

The Supervisory Board of AirBaltic has appointed Erno Hildén as the carrier’s new Chief Executive Officer effective December 1, 2025.  A Finnish National, Mr. Hildén brings over 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance.

airBaltic's Incoming CEO, Erno Hildén - Courtesy airBaltic

On Tuesday (August 19, 2025), airBaltic announced the appointment of Erno Hildén as CEO, effective December 1, 2025.  Mr. Hildén is a Finnish national and brings over 25 years of experience in aviation and finance, serving most recently as EVP and Chief Financial Officer for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).  Serving in that role until June 2025, Hildén was a key member of the leadership team during the airline’s transformation and capital raise.  Prior to joining SAS, he held senior roles at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group (SAUDIA), and Finnair, where he served as Group CFO, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and as a member of the Executive Board.

In Tuesday’s announcement, airBaltic’s Chairman, Andrejs Martinovs, said,

“After a thorough and professional selection process, led by a dedicated nomination committee and an external independent recruitment partner, including the evaluation of several highly qualified candidates, we are pleased to appoint Erno Hildén as the next CEO of airBaltic.  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.  The Supervisory Board looks forward to working closely with him and the Executive Board in the period ahead.”

Also commenting on his upcoming role as Air Baltic’s CEO, Erno Hildén, said,

“I appreciate the trust placed in me by the Supervisory Board.  It is a privilege to take on this responsibility at airBaltic.  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.  I also look forward to applying my international aviation and financial experience to support the company’s next stage of development.”

airBaltic will continue to be led by Interim CEO and Executive Board member Pauls Cālītis until December 1, 2025, ensuring continuity.  After that date, Mr. Cālītis will continue in his role COO and as a member of the Executive Board.

Established in 1995, Air Baltic Corporation SA (airBaltic) is a joint stock company with most of the equity (97.97%) held by the Latvian state and the remaining 2.03% held by other shareholders.  Lufthansa Group plans on taking a minority stake in the company by Q2 2025, subject to regulatory approval.  One of the most punctual carriers in the world, the airline connects the Baltic region with over 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally from Gran Canaria to more than 80 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Caucasus region.  The carrier operates a single fleet type of 50 Airbus A220-300s, and plans on expanding their A220-300 fleet to 100 aircraft by 2030. The airline Group also includes Air Baltic Training SIA, Loyalty Services SIA, Baltijas Kravu Centrs SIA and Crew Resources AS.  airBaltic currently employs over 2,800 team members.

Source: airBaltic