Join us as we honor Lauris Mikelsons, Vice President of Compliance and Safety at airBaltic, who will be our acclaimed keynote speaker. We extend our warm invitation to you for this great event and ask that you RSVP here if you plan on attending!
Lauris Mikelsons is a distinguished figure in the Latvian aviation industry and beyond, with over two decades of expertise in aviation management, safety and compliance. His aviation journey began during undergraduate studies at the Aviation Institute, University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Engineering through a student exchange program with Riga Aviation University, Latvia. Lauris gained vital knowledge in airline operations, flight safety, and human factors during his time in Omaha, enhanced by interactions with industry lecturers and immersive visits to aviation establishments. Noteworthy experiences include participation in UNO Flying Mavs, spending a day with senior management at Eppley Airfield, exploring Denver International Airport, and completing a summer apprenticeship at Hangar One in Millard Airport. These experiences laid the groundwork for his distinguished professional and academic pursuits in aviation.
Currently serving as the Vice President of Compliance and Safety at airBaltic Corporation, based in Riga, Latvia, Lauris leads Compliance and Safety Management initiatives and conducts internal staff training, ensuring the smooth operation of one of Eastern Europe's leading network airlines. Additionally, Lauris serves as an Auditor for the IATA Fuel Quality and De/Anti-Icing Quality Pools, IOSA programme reinforcing his reputation as a trusted authority in aviation safety and compliance.
With a remarkable career spanning prestigious roles, Lauris has significantly contributed to the aviation industry's compliance and safety landscape. As a Contracted part-time Instructor for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Montreal, Canada, he specializes in delivering comprehensive training on Safety and Quality Management tailored for airlines and maintenance organizations worldwide, enhancing safety standards within the aviation sector.
Lauris career also includes significant roles such as Engineering Quality and Safety Manager at easyJet Airline in the United Kingdom and Engineering Manager for Technical Operations at Airbaltic. These roles underscore his proficiency in developing robust engineering quality and risk management procedures while overseeing technical support for medium to large aircraft fleets.
In addition to his professional background, Lauris is deeply involved in academia and research. With advanced studies in aviation, including a Master of Science in Air Transport Management from Cranfield School of Engineering (United Kingdom), he has made significant contributions to the field through research and academicactivities, focusing on Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) for Pilot Fatigue management. Lauris has also served as a visiting lecturer for Riga Technical University Aviation Institute and airBaltic Pilot Academy, shaping future industry professionals.
With his wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to advancing aviation safety and compliance standards, Lauris is poised to deliver an insightful speech at the Durham Lecture, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of European aviation management and safety developments.
Event Details
- Date: March 28, 2024
- Time: 6:30pm
- Location: The Thompson Alumni Center
- 6705 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE