The Latvian airline airBaltic announces that, as of December 1, 2025, Erno Hildén has officially assumed his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A Finnish national, Hildén brings more than 25 years of international experience across aviation and finance. Until June 2025, he served as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, where he played a key role in the carrier’s transformation and capital-raising efforts. His career also includes senior positions at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and Finnair Plc, where he held the posts of Group CFO, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board member.
With Hildén’s appointment, Interim CEO Pauls Cālītis has now fully returned to his role as Chief Operating Officer and member of the Executive Board.
Reflecting on his new position, Hildén said: “I am honoured 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. airBaltic plays a vital role in the connectivity and economic development of the Baltic region, and I look forward to applying my extensive experience to support its next phase.”
