In April of 2025, following the departure of airBaltic CEO Martin Gauss, the airline's COO Pauls Cālītis was named as interim chief executive, with the task of stabilizing the airline after a loss of confidence in the previous leadership by the Latvian government, the majority shareholder. Leaving after 13 years, Gauss expressed his pride in the airline's achievements in a heartfelt message: "I leave after 13 intense years, proud of what we built: a resilient airline, a loyal team, and a bold vision. I gave everything — and I would do it again. Thank you to those who stood by me. The mission continues, even if the seat changes.” The departure of Gauss put Cālītis in the position of leading the airline temporarily. The search for a new CEO with an “international perspective” is ongoing, with over 40 applications received from nearly 30 countries.

Pauls Cālītis, the current Management Board Member and Chief Operations Officer, assumed the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer on April 7, 2025. Pilotcenter.net News spoke with Cālītis on May 28, 2025, to discuss the transition process and airBaltic’s plans for the future. Having been part of airBaltic for 30 years, Cālītis was well-prepared to ensure a smooth transition as COO and now Interim CEO.

Cālītis' immediate focus included aligning the leadership team and engaging with the airline's employees and external stakeholders to gear up for the upcoming summer season. Despite the emotional impact of Gauss' departure, Cālītis emphasized the airline’s operational resilience and ongoing commitment to its core values. The airline's partnership with Lufthansa and upcoming IPO plans were also discussed, with Cālītis highlighting the anticipated growth of the A220-300 fleet and the challenges faced with engine maintenance.

Reflecting on the recent developments, Cālītis outlined a vision for airBaltic's future, aiming to expand the fleet, enter new markets, and enhance its presence globally. With a strong focus on efficiency and customer service, Cālītis is confident in the airline's potential growth and success in the years to come.