airBaltic Appoints Robbert Strating as Senior Vice President of Flight Operations
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The Latvian national airline airBaltic has appointed Robbert Strating as its new Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, who will also serve as Deputy Accountable Manager. Strating will oversee airBaltic’s flight operations, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and cost management as the airline continues to expand its reach and deliver world-class service.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robbert Strating to the team of airBaltic," said Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic, stated:
"With a wealth of experience in flight operations, pilot management, and union relations across multiple leading aviation companies, Robbert’s expertise will be crucial in driving operational excellence and aligning our practices with the highest safety standards. His proven track record, hands-on approach, and respected reputation among pilots make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team.”
Pauls Cālītis, Chief Operations Officer of airBaltic, added: “Robbert Strating’s appointment marks a significant step forward in strengthening airBaltic’s operational capabilities. His extensive background and dedication to top-tier safety and productivity benchmarks will play a vital role as we elevate our operational plans. With this guidance, we will be well-equipped to refine our flight processes, maximise resources, and drive airBaltic’s sustained expansion across Europe and beyond.”
Robbert Strating said: “I am very excited to join the talented airBaltic team in Riga! I look forward to enhancing operational excellence and the airline’s safety performance, while working alongside the wider team to achieve airBaltic’s planned growth across Europe and beyond.”
Strating brings an impressive background in flight operations, and until now he was serving as Vice President of Flight Operations at Virgin Atlantic Airways, where his leadership had been essential in overseeing Airbus 330/350 and Boeing 787 operations across 36 destinations globally.
Well respected within the pilot community and the wider aviation industry, Strating has played a significant role in optimizing workforce productivity, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and growing back Virgin Atlantic beyond its pre-pandemic size while maintaining industry-leading operational performance ahead of the competition at Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow hub.
In addition to his role at Virgin Atlantic, Strating has held executive positions at TUI Travel Plc, andRoyal Dutch Shell, where he honed his skills in operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership.
His career began with the Netherlands- and United States Air Forces, where he served for 20 years as a commisioned officer and F-16 Pilot holding various senior operational roles, including Director Operations of a United States Airforce F-16 squadron and Project Manager for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.
