Lauris Mickelsen, Charles Durham Distinguished Guest 2023

Lauris Mikelsons is an accomplished aviation leader with more than two decades of experience in safety management, regulatory compliance, and airline operations across Europe. He holds an M.Sc. in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University (2003–2004), one of the world’s leading institutions for aviation and aerospace studies. He also earned a B.Sc.Ing in Aircraft and Power Plant Mechanics from Riga Aviation University (1993–1998), where he developed a strong technical foundation early in his career. In addition, Lauris completed specialized coursework at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (1994–1995), focusing on Flight Safety, Airline Operations, Airport Master Planning, Space Studies, and Human Factors—areas that continue to inform his approach to modern aviation safety and system-level thinking.

Lauris’s career reflects consistent advancement into senior roles that shape airline safety culture and operational excellence. He has served as Vice President of Compliance and Safety at airBaltic since 2007, where he leads the airline’s safety management system, regulatory compliance programs, and operational risk oversight. Over more than 16 years in this role, he has guided the airline through major fleet transitions, rapid growth phases, and evolving European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening airBaltic’s reputation for safety, reliability, and operational discipline.

Before taking on his long-standing executive role with airBaltic, Lauris served as Technical Quality & Safety Manager at easyJet from 2005 to 2007. There, he played a key part in safety assurance and compliance activities for one of Europe’s largest low-cost carriers during a period of rapid expansion. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Engineering Manager for airBaltic (2004–2005) and supported critical operational functions as a Flight Standards Administrator.

With extensive experience on both the engineering and safety management sides of the industry, Lauris brings a holistic perspective to modern airline operations. His career reflects a deep commitment to continuous improvement, a systems-oriented approach to safety, and a passion for supporting the long-term advancement of the aviation industry.