The supervisory board of the Latvian airline airBaltic has appointed Erno Hildén as chief executive officer. He will assume the role as of 1 December 2025.
Hildén, a Finnish national, brings more than 25 years of international experience in aviation and finance.
Until June 2025 he served as executive vice president and group chief financial officer of SAS, where he has been a key member of the leadership team during the company’s transformation and capital raise.
Before joining SAS, he held senior roles at Saudi Arabian Airlines Group and at Finnair Plc, where he served as group CFO, chief operating officer and a member of the executive board.
Andrejs Martinovs, chairman of the supervisory board of airBaltic, 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.”
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.”
Until 1 December 1, airBaltic will continue to be led by interim CEO and executive board member Pauls Cālītis, ensuring continuity.
After that date, Cālītis will continue in his role as COO and as a member of the executive board.
