In this episode, we speak with Martin Gauss, former CEO of airBaltic, who transformed the Latvian flag carrier into one of Europe’s most innovative airlines while connecting the entire Baltic region.

Gauss discusses:

1. The benefits of operating a single-fleet airline with the highly efficient Airbus A220-300, resulting in 30% lower fuel consumption than older generation aircraft and contributing to airBaltic's path to carbon neutrality by 2050.
2. airBaltic’s innovative dual business model that combines scheduled operations with wet lease services for major carriers like Lufthansa Group, creating flexibility and financial resilience.
3. The airline’s commitment to sustainability through fleet modernisation, gradually increasing SAF usage, and partnerships with innovative manufacturers like Fokker NextGen for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
4. How airBaltic established itself as an industry leader in adopting new technologies, from becoming the first airline to accept Bitcoin in 2014 to pioneering Starlink internet service in Europe.
5. His perspective on balancing growth with sustainability, emphasising that connectivity is essential for economic development while working toward emission-free aviation.
6. The Baltic states’ capacity for innovation, demonstrating how a small country like Latvia can lead the way in aviation technology and sustainability.

As an airline pilot-turned-CEO, Gauss offers valuable insights into how smaller airlines can lead industry change through bold technology choices and business model innovation.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Anko van der Werff, President & CEO of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), who shares the airline’s ambitious sustainability initiatives. Check it out here. 

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to [email protected]. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

ESG - airBaltic 

Fokker Next Gen partners with airBaltic on new liquid hydrogen powered commercial aircraft – GreenAir News 

airBaltic achieves one-Year milestone in increased SAF implementation - Travel And Tour World 

airBaltic to Expand Training Fleet With All-Electric eD40 - FLYING Magazine