euroAtlantic Airways appoints Pauls Calitis as Chief Executive in leadership reshuffle
ACMI charter specialist euroAtlantic Airways has announced the appointment of Pauls Calitis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 18 May, marking a significant step in the airline’s next phase of growth under its majority owner Njord Partners.
Calitis will succeed Stewart Higginson, who has led the business since early 2024 and will transition to the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. The leadership change comes as the Lisbon-based carrier continues to expand its footprint in the competitive global market for widebody aircraft leasing and charter services.
Calitis brings more than 30 years’ experience in aviation, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board Member at airBaltic. He also held the position of interim Chief Executive in 2025. Beginning his career as a pilot, he rose through the ranks to senior leadership, playing a pivotal role in airBaltic’s transformation into one of Europe’s most efficient carriers.
During his tenure, he oversaw a major fleet modernisation programme and helped expand the airline’s ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) operations, supporting leading European carriers. His track record in operational performance and service delivery is expected to align closely with euroAtlantic’s strategic priorities.
euroAtlantic Airways is a specialist in wet leasing and long-haul charter operations, providing aircraft and crew to airlines, governments and tour operators worldwide. The carrier operates a fleet of widebody aircraft, including Boeing 767s and is in the process of adding Airbus A330s, reflecting a broader push towards fleet renewal and expansion.
Since Njord Partners took a majority stake in 2024, the airline has undergone a notable transformation. Capacity for 2026 is already largely committed, with limited availability remaining for 2027, underscoring strong demand for its services. The addition of two Airbus A330 aircraft in the second half of this year will effectively double the fleet size in just over 12 months.
With several long-term contracts secured and sustained interest from major airline customers, euroAtlantic is aiming to strengthen its position as a trusted ACMI provider amid ongoing volatility in global aviation markets.
Higginson said Calitis’s “exceptional track record of operational and commercial leadership” and his focus on people and quality made him “the ideal leader” to guide the company forward.
Calitis, who will be based at the airline’s Lisbon headquarters, said he was “honoured” to join at a pivotal moment. He added that he intends to build on recent progress by enhancing operational performance, customer focus and market leadership in both ACMI and charter segments.
The appointment signals continuity as well as ambition, with euroAtlantic seeking to consolidate its recent gains while positioning itself for further expansion in a sector increasingly reliant on flexible, outsourced capacity.
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