euroAtlantic Airways (EAA), a global provider of passenger widebody aircraft wet-leasing and charter services, and Njord Partners portfolio company, appointed Pauls Calitis as CEO, effective May 18, 2026. Calitis will succeed Stewart Higginson, who has served as CEO since early 2024 and who will assume the role of non-executive chairman of the board.
Calitis brings more than three decades of expertise in the aviation industry, most recently serving as chief operating officer and executive board member at airBaltic, having also held the role of interim CEO in 2025. Over his career progressing from pilot to senior executive leadership, he played a central role in the airline’s development and transformation into one of Europe’s most efficient and respected carriers. His leadership helped establish the airline as a benchmark for operational excellence, fleet modernization and ACMI service quality, core focus areas for EAA.
During his tenure at airBaltic, Calitis successfully managed the airline’s comprehensive fleet modernization process and the expansion of airBaltic’s ACMI business, supporting Tier-1 European airlines known for their high standards.
“Pauls brings with him an exceptional track record of operational and commercial leadership, underpinned by a people-first approach and a commitment to quality,” Higginson said. “His expertise in ACMI operations, coupled with his success in navigating industry challenges and fostering growth, makes him the ideal leader to continue EAA’s trajectory of success.”
Calitis will be based at EAA’s headquarters in Lisbon, where he will lead the company into its next phase of growth and innovation.
“I am honored to join EuroAtlantic Airways at such an exciting time in its journey,” Calitis said. “EAA has made tremendous strides in recent years, and I look forward to building on this momentum to further enhance the company’s operational excellence, customer focus and market leadership in the ACMI and charter segments.”
