The Supervisory Board of Latvian airline airBaltic has appointed Erno Hildén as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025. Hildén, a Finnish national, brings more than 25 years of international experience across aviation and finance, having served in senior leadership positions at several major airlines.
Most recently, he was Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SAS Scandinavian Airlines until June 2025. At SAS, he played a central role in the company’s financial restructuring, transformation, and capital raising activities. Before his tenure at SAS, Hildén worked at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and Finnair Plc. At Finnair, he served as Group CFO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and sat on the Executive Board, giving him comprehensive oversight of both financial and operational matters.
The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process managed by airBaltic’s nomination committee and supported by an external independent partner. Several highly qualified candidates were considered before the Supervisory Board reached its decision.
Andrejs Martinovs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, expressed strong confidence in the choice. He stated that Hildén’s broad expertise in both aviation and finance would be critical as airBaltic continues its development and prepares for a new stage of growth. He emphasised the Board’s eagerness to work closely with Hildén and the Executive team in shaping the airline’s future direction.
Until Hildén officially assumes the position in December, airBaltic will remain under the leadership of Interim CEO and Executive Board member Pauls Cālītis. Cālītis, who has guided the airline through the transitional period, will continue as Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Executive Board once Hildén takes over.
The appointment signals a fresh phase for airBaltic as it looks to consolidate its position, pursue growth opportunities, and strengthen its resilience within an evolving aviation market.
