Arno Hilden Appointed as New CEO of airBaltic

Arno Hilden has been appointed as the CEO of the airline airBaltic. Hilden, a Finnish national, brings over 25 years of international experience in the aviation and financial sectors. Until June 2025, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Scandinavian airline SAS, where he was a key member of the management team during the company's recent transformative developments.

Hilden will replace the former CEO Martin Gauss, who unexpectedly left his position in April of this year after 13 years at airBaltic, without any explanation. "Today, my journey with the company has ended," he wrote on social media with the announcement of his departure. "I leave after 13 intense years, proud of what we've built - a resilient airline, a loyal team, and a bold vision. I gave everything - and would do it again," he wrote.

Martin Gauss. The CEO

Before joining SAS, the new CEO Hilden held several senior positions in the Saudi Arabian aviation group and Finnair, serving as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and a member of the board.

It should be noted that airBaltic recently posted impressive results for the first half of 2025. In the second quarter of the year, revenue amounted to 216.9 million euros, an increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year.

Andrey Martinov, Chairman of the Board of airBaltic: "Following a thorough and professional selection process, led by a dedicated nomination committee and an independent external recruitment partner, including the evaluation of several highly qualified candidates, we are pleased to appoint Arno Hilden as our next CEO. His significant background in aviation and finance will add important expertise to the company's development towards its next growth phases. The board looks forward to working closely together with him."

airBaltic. Photo: Shutterstock

Incoming CEO Hilden said: "I appreciate the trust the board has placed in me. It is a privilege to take on such a responsibility. My focus will be on ensuring continuity, supporting the board, and working together with the team to maintain operational stability and contribute to the company's long-term goals. I also look forward to leveraging my experience in international aviation and finance to support the company's future growth."

Until December 1, airBaltic will continue to be managed by interim CEO and board member Pauls Calitis to ensure continuity. After this date, Mr. Calitis will resume his role as Chief Operating Officer and board member.

The airline airBaltic currently operates more than 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and other destinations to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus.

The airline stopped its flights to Israel following the missile incident at Ben Gurion Airport, resumed them, and then stopped again due to the conflict with Iran. Recently, it announced the resumption of the route to Riga in less than a month, on September 4.