airBaltic chief operating officer Pauls Calitis will leave the carrier on 30 April 2026, ending a three-decade career with the airline, he said in a statement posted on LinkedIn.
Calitis, who began his career as a pilot, said he had decided to step down after more than 30 years with the company, during which he held a range of operational and executive roles. He highlighted key milestones including the launch of the airline’s pilot training academy and its role as the global launch operator of the Airbus A220-300. He added that he would remain focused on ensuring stable operations until his departure and expressed confidence in the airline’s leadership team.
His exit comes at a critical time for airBaltic as it navigates financial and strategic challenges. The airline recently appointed Seabury Securities as a strategic and financial adviser, a move that could signal preparations for a capital raise, partial privatisation or broader restructuring.
The news also follows a downgrade by S&P Global Ratings, which cut the airline’s issuer credit rating to ‘B-’ from ‘B’ and lowered its standalone credit profile to ‘ccc’, citing liquidity pressures and ongoing financial strain. The outlook remains negative, underscoring the challenges facing the carrier as it seeks to stabilise its finances and secure additional funding.