airBaltic’s Interim CEO Pauls Cālītis on Values After Gauss

airBaltic Appoints Interim CEO Amid Leadership Transition

In April 2025, airBaltic announced the appointment of Pauls Cālītis as interim CEO following the departure of long-serving chief executive Martin Gauss. With the airline’s majority shareholder, the Latvian government, losing confidence in Gauss, Cālītis’s new role is crucial for navigating this transitional period. As the airline seeks a permanent CEO with an “international perspective,” Cālītis is committed to maintaining stability and steering airBaltic towards its future goals.

Leadership Changes at airBaltic

Martin Gauss’s departure after 13 years has placed Pauls Cālītis, previously the Chief Operations Officer (COO), in a pivotal role. Gauss expressed pride in his tenure, stating, “I leave after 13 intense years… The mission continues, even if the seat changes.” As interim CEO, Cālītis aims to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the airline’s operational integrity.

• Immediate Focus: Aligning the leadership team and engaging with airBaltic’s 2,800 employees.
• External Communication: Coordinating with stakeholders, including Airbus, to prepare for the upcoming busy summer season.

Seeking a New CEO

airBaltic is currently reviewing over 40 applications from nearly 30 countries to fill the CEO position. This selection process is expected to span three months, with Cālītis emphasizing the importance of maintaining the airline’s core values and strategic direction during this time.

Partnerships and Future Plans

Cālītis highlighted the airline’s strategic collaboration with Lufthansa, which includes a three-year agreement to place some of its Airbus A220-300 aircraft with the German airline. This partnership is critical for enhancing operational flexibility and performance.

• Aircraft Management: 19 aircraft have already been placed with Lufthansa since March.
• Shareholder Status: airBaltic is awaiting approval from the German anti-competition authority regarding Lufthansa’s minority stake in the airline.

Financial Outlook and IPO Considerations

While airBaltic’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) is currently on hold due to market volatility, Cālītis remains optimistic about a potential launch later this year, contingent on stabilizing conditions and the appointment of a new CEO.

• Future Opportunities: Cālītis mentioned multiple scenarios for the IPO in 2026, indicating that airBaltic is not closing any doors on future prospects.

Fleet Expansion and Operational Challenges

airBaltic recently welcomed its 50th Airbus A220-300, with plans for additional aircraft to join the fleet by the end of 2025. However, the airline has faced challenges, including engine shortages that led to the cancellation of 4,670 flights for the summer season.

• Maintenance Issues: Cālītis acknowledged the frustration caused by delays and maintenance issues with suppliers but noted signs of improvement as the airline prepares for a more robust operational period.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Cālītis envisions a strong future for airBaltic, with plans to expand the fleet to around 100 aircraft over the next five years. The airline aims to strengthen its position in the Baltic region while exploring opportunities beyond Europe.

• Market Expansion: Cālītis is optimistic about airBaltic’s potential as an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, indicating a focus on underserved markets.

In summary, while airBaltic navigates this leadership transition, interim CEO Pauls Cālītis is committed to steering the airline towards a promising future. For further updates on airBaltic’s journey and future developments, stay tuned to our news section.

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