Leadership changes at two major European airlines: airBaltic and Transavia

Two European carriers announced significant leadership transitions aimed at strengthening their strategic development and operational performance.

As of 1 December 2025, Erno Hildén has officially assumed the role of CEO at airBaltic. A Finnish aviation and finance executive with more than 25 years of international experience—including senior leadership roles at SAS, Saudi Arabian Airlines Group, and Finnair—Hildén plans to focus on operational continuity, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability. He succeeds interim CEO Pauls C?l?tis, who now returns full-time to his position as COO. airBaltic, which connects the Baltic region to 80 destinations, sees the appointment as an important step in supporting its continued expansion and regional economic impact.

Meanwhile, Transavia announced that Paul Terstegge will become its new CEO effective 1 February 2026, succeeding Marcel de Nooijer. Terstegge, currently EVP Inflight Services at KLM, brings extensive experience across commercial, operational, and strategic roles within the Air France–KLM Group. His appointment is intended to steer Transavia’s targeted growth, European network expansion, sustainability ambitions, and improvements to the passenger experience. The airline’s Supervisory Board praised his inclusive leadership style and alignment with Transavia’s future direction.

Together, the announcements reflect a broader leadership renewal across European aviation as carriers focus on sustainable growth, operational resilience, and enhanced customer experience.