In this conversation, Martin Gauss, the former CEO of airBaltic and an active airline pilot, shares his transformative journey in modernizing air travel in the Baltics. He highlights the efficiency of the Airbus A220 fleet, boasting 30% lower fuel consumption. Gauss discusses airBaltic’s innovative dual business model and commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. He reflects on adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as Starlink internet, while balancing growth with environmental responsibility, positioning Latvia as a leader in aviation innovation.
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insights INSIGHT
Single Fleet Efficiency Boost
Operating a single fleet with the Airbus A220-300 yields a 30% lower fuel consumption than older aircraft.
This aircraft's efficiency helps AirBaltic reduce emissions and costs, advancing their carbon neutrality goal for 2050.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Innovative Wet Lease Business
AirBaltic pivoted to wet leasing surplus A220s during crisis periods, partnering with SAS and Lufthansa Group.
This created a dual business model of scheduled flights and ACMI operations, enhancing flexibility and revenue.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pioneering Starlink in Europe
Martin Gauss reached out via tweet to Elon Musk to pioneer Starlink internet on AirBaltic flights.
Overcoming early regulatory challenges, AirBaltic became the first European airline with Starlink onboard internet.
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The book chronicles Gordon Bethune's leadership in reviving Continental Airlines from near-bankruptcy to industry leader through his 'Go Forward Plan,' focusing on market strategy, financial restructuring, operational reliability, and employee empowerment. It combines business strategy with humorous anecdotes, offering insights into corporate culture transformation and effective leadership practices.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
His perspective on balancing growth with sustainability, emphasising that connectivity is essential for economic development while working toward emission-free aviation.
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 podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.
Sustainability In The Air 