euroAtlantic Airways Appoints Pauls Calitis as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Strategic Growth
euroAtlantic Airways (EAA), a globally recognized provider of widebody passenger aircraft wet-leasing and charter aviation services, has announced a major leadership transition as the company prepares for its next phase of expansion. The airline confirmed that aviation executive Pauls Calitis will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective 18 May 2026. He succeeds Stewart Higginson, who has led the company since early 2024 and will transition into the position of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
The appointment represents an important milestone in EAA’s ongoing transformation under the ownership of Njord Partners, the private investment firm that became the airline’s majority shareholder in 2024. As euroAtlantic Airways continues to strengthen its market position in the global wet-lease, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), and charter aviation sectors, the company believes Calitis’ extensive operational and executive experience will support its ambitions for long-term growth, operational excellence, and expanded international reach.
Leadership Transition Signals New Strategic Chapter
The decision to appoint Pauls Calitis as CEO reflects EAA’s commitment to building on the momentum it has created over the past two years. Under Stewart Higginson’s leadership, the airline completed a significant operational and strategic turnaround, positioning itself as a stronger and more competitive player in the widebody aviation services market.
Higginson played a central role in guiding euroAtlantic Airways through a period of transition following Njord Partners’ acquisition. His leadership helped lay the foundation for fleet modernization, commercial expansion, and operational improvements that have strengthened customer confidence and increased demand for EAA’s services.
By moving into the role of Non-Executive Chairman, Higginson will continue to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight while enabling Calitis to lead the airline’s day-to-day operations and future commercial strategy.
This leadership evolution reflects a carefully planned succession strategy designed to ensure continuity while introducing fresh operational expertise at a critical stage in the airline’s development.
Pauls Calitis Brings More Than Three Decades of Aviation Expertise
Pauls Calitis joins euroAtlantic Airways with over 30 years of experience across multiple areas of the aviation industry. His career spans operational leadership, fleet management, airline strategy, and executive governance, making him one of the most respected aviation leaders in Europe.
Most recently, Calitis served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board Member at airBaltic, one of Europe’s leading hybrid carriers. During his time with the airline, he also served as Interim Chief Executive Officer in 2025, providing strategic leadership during an important phase of organizational development.
Calitis’ aviation journey began in the cockpit, where he developed firsthand operational knowledge as a professional pilot. Over time, he progressed through leadership roles of increasing responsibility, gaining broad expertise in flight operations, network planning, technical oversight, commercial strategy, and organizational transformation.
This combination of frontline operational understanding and board-level leadership gives him a unique perspective that aligns closely with euroAtlantic Airways’ business model and customer expectations.
Key Role in airBaltic’s Transformation
Throughout his tenure at airBaltic, Calitis was deeply involved in one of Europe’s most successful airline transformation stories. He helped guide the airline through major structural and operational changes that improved profitability, enhanced efficiency, and strengthened the carrier’s competitive positioning.
One of his most notable contributions was leading airBaltic’s fleet modernization initiative. Managing a fleet transition of this scale required balancing operational continuity, cost management, technical integration, and regulatory compliance.
Under his operational leadership, airBaltic successfully modernized its fleet while maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and customer service. This experience is particularly relevant to euroAtlantic Airways as the company accelerates its own fleet growth and modernization plans.
In addition to fleet management, Calitis played a central role in expanding airBaltic’s ACMI operations. This business segment, which provides aircraft and crew solutions to partner airlines, requires consistent delivery, operational precision, and the ability to meet the demanding requirements of major global carriers.
airBaltic’s ACMI division became a trusted service provider for several Tier-1 European airlines during his leadership, further demonstrating his ability to build operational credibility in competitive aviation markets.
Strong Alignment With euroAtlantic Airways’ Business Model
Calitis’ background appears highly aligned with EAA’s strategic priorities. As a specialist in widebody wet-leasing and charter operations, euroAtlantic Airways serves a broad customer base that includes commercial airlines, governments, tour operators, and corporate clients.
Success in this market requires operational flexibility, strong safety performance, efficient asset utilization, and the ability to deliver reliable service under complex operating conditions.
Calitis’ experience managing large-scale airline operations and ACMI partnerships positions him well to lead EAA as it expands its customer base and enters new markets.
Industry observers note that leadership with both technical expertise and commercial understanding is increasingly valuable as airlines seek dependable outsourcing and capacity solutions amid global supply chain constraints and aircraft delivery delays.
Calitis’ track record suggests he can help euroAtlantic Airways capitalize on these market opportunities while maintaining the operational discipline required for sustainable growth.
Significant Transformation Since Njord Partners Investment
Since Njord Partners became the majority owner of euroAtlantic Airways in 2024, the airline has undergone a substantial transformation.
The investment firm’s strategy has focused on strengthening EAA’s commercial positioning, improving operational performance, and building a scalable platform for long-term expansion.
Over the past two years, the airline has implemented operational improvements, optimized fleet utilization, enhanced customer engagement, and expanded its presence in key international markets.
As a result, EAA has seen strong customer demand across both wet-lease and charter operations.
The company reports that a significant portion of its 2026 operational capacity is already committed through long-term contracts, reflecting growing confidence among customers and partners.
This high level of forward bookings provides strong revenue visibility and creates a stable platform for continued expansion.
Fleet Expansion Supports Growth Strategy
A major component of euroAtlantic Airways’ growth strategy is fleet expansion.
The airline has confirmed plans to add two Airbus A330 aircraft during the second half of 2026. These additions will significantly increase operational capacity and enable the airline to serve additional long-haul markets and customer contracts.
The fleet expansion represents a remarkable milestone for the company, effectively doubling its fleet size in just over a year.
This growth underscores both the strength of market demand and management’s confidence in EAA’s future.
The Airbus A330 remains one of the most versatile and reliable widebody aircraft platforms in global aviation. Its range, passenger capacity, and operational flexibility make it well-suited for EAA’s charter and ACMI operations.
The addition of these aircraft will improve fleet flexibility and allow the airline to better meet seasonal demand peaks, customer-specific requirements, and emerging market opportunities.
Limited Availability Signals Strong Market Demand
EAA’s forward business outlook remains strong.
According to the company, capacity for 2026 is substantially committed, with only limited fleet availability remaining for 2027.
This level of demand highlights the airline’s growing reputation among customers seeking dependable widebody leasing and charter solutions.
Across the aviation industry, demand for ACMI and wet-lease services has remained elevated due to ongoing aircraft delivery delays, maintenance shortages, and fluctuating travel demand patterns.
Airlines increasingly rely on specialized providers such as euroAtlantic Airways to maintain schedule integrity, support network expansion, and manage operational disruptions.
With long-term contracts already secured and customer interest continuing to grow, EAA appears well-positioned to benefit from these market dynamics.
Navigating Market Challenges With Operational Resilience
The aviation industry continues to face a range of challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, maintenance bottlenecks, and labor shortages.
In this environment, operational resilience has become one of the most important competitive advantages.
Calitis’ experience managing complex airline operations during periods of disruption will likely prove valuable as EAA navigates these market conditions.
His ability to build high-performing teams, maintain safety standards, and deliver consistent operational performance aligns closely with the needs of EAA’s global customer base.
By combining operational discipline with strategic growth initiatives, the airline aims to maintain service reliability while pursuing expansion opportunities.
As Pauls Calitis prepares to take over as Chief Executive Officer, euroAtlantic Airways enters a new phase defined by growth, fleet expansion, and increasing international demand.
With a strengthened leadership team, support from Njord Partners, and a growing portfolio of long-term customer contracts, the airline is positioning itself for sustained success in the global wet-lease and charter aviation sectors.
Calitis’ appointment sends a clear signal that euroAtlantic Airways intends to continue building its reputation as a trusted aviation partner known for safety, flexibility, and operational excellence.
As market demand continues to evolve, the airline appears ready to leverage its expanding fleet, experienced workforce, and strategic leadership to capture new opportunities and strengthen its standing in the competitive global aviation marketplace.
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