Latvian carrier airBaltic has parted ways with CEO Martin Gauss following a shareholder meeting and will be replaced for now by the current CCO Pauls Cālītis.
airBaltic confirmed the move on April 7, 2025, in a press release, reassuring passengers that the decision will not impact operations, and that the airline “remains a strategically important enterprise” for Latvia, its majority shareholder.
“On behalf of the Supervisory Board and the entire airBaltic team, I extend our sincere gratitude to Martin Gauss for his leadership, dedication, and vision since 2011. For more than a decade, Martin Gauss guided the company through significant transformation and growth, laying a strong foundation for its future,” said Andrejs Martinovs, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of airBaltic.
He added: “At the same time, we maintain full confidence in the Management Board and the professional team, which ensures the company’s day-to-day operations, passenger services, and overall management. Our core objectives remain unchanged, and airBaltic continues to implement its strategy and move forward toward a potential IPO.”
A dispute between the Latvian government and airBaltic broke out in January 2025, after the airline was forced to cancel 4,670 flights for its 2025 summer season, due to maintenance issues affecting the Pratt & Whitney engines that power the airline’s A220 fleet.
Latvia’s Economics Minister Viktors Valainis called for the resignation of Gauss, alleging that the Latvian government had lost confidence in the carrier’s top management.
“airBaltic continues its operations with unwavering commitment to achieving its strategic goals. The company’s operational performance will remain unaffected. Our team is strong and motivated, and we are fully prepared to ensure stability, continuity, and further development,” said interim CEO Cālītis.
A spokesperson added that it wanted to ensure “national connectivity” and contribute directly to the country’s economy.
“The shareholders remain focused on developing the company, strengthening its competitiveness, and continuing progress toward a potential Initial Public Offering,” they added.
