Artūrs Saveļjevs is a Board Member and Chief Commercial Officer at Riga Airport. Aviation has been both his profession for more than 20 years and a personal passion. Over the years, he has held a variety of roles at the airport, from operations to senior management, and today he can easily call Riga Airport his second home.

What was your dream job as a child?

A bit of a cliché, a pilot. I remember lying on the grass, watching aircraft fly overhead and dreaming about being up there myself. 

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry?

The opportunities created by market liberalisation and “open skies.” These have truly transformed connectivity and brought the world much closer together.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever shipped?

At Riga Airport, we’ve handled everything from live animals to luxury sports cars. But the most memorable moment wasn’t about the cargo itself, it was the aircraft: the AN-225 Mriya, which visited Riga in 2014. Seeing its enormous size and six engines up close was breathtaking. It’s truly unfortunate that this remarkable aircraft has since been destroyed.

What’s one buzzword you secretly dislike?

There isn’t one specific buzzword, but what I find challenging as a non-native English speaker is is how quickly new “trendy” terms emerge. It feels like there’s always something new to catch up on.

Window or aisle seat?

Definitely window. I enjoy looking outside, especially during take-off and landing, and I often take photos of the views.

What’s the best business lesson you’ve learned the hard way?

Do not expect others to act or make decisions in the same way you would.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?

I wish I could say a pilot, but at this moment, perhaps the President of the United States. It’s a role with immense responsibility, but also extraordinary potential to make a positive impact on a global scale.

Which three items would you bring to a desert island?

A multitool, a fishing rod, and my e-book reader.

Tea or coffee?

Tea. Earl Grey in the morning, green tea in the afternoon, and herbal tea in the evening.

What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?

I really enjoy spy series and movies. Series and movies based on Tom Clancy novels are just great.

What’s the most exciting place you’ve visited for work?

Airshows. They’re the perfect combination of business and passion, great opportunities to network while experiencing aviation at its very best.

If you could introduce one new regulation in air cargo, what would it be?

Anything that meaningfully reduces paperwork and bureaucracy.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I’m a big fan of Bryan Adams. His best hits like Summer of ’69 or Everything I Do (I Do It for You) are always great choices to sing.

Describe your job in three words?

Airports, cooperation, growth.

What’s your hidden talent?

Diplomacy – especially helpful when you have two teenagers at home.

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?

Cooking. There’s so much potential to master in my case.

What’s something on your bucket list?

Finally getting a Private Pilot License (PPL).

What’s the best airport in the world, and why?

Riga Airport, of course. Our slogan is “Closer than expected,” and we genuinely strive to deliver that to our passengers, partners, and employees every day.

If air cargo had a mascot, what would it be?

A big and powerful bird – perhaps a condor.

How did you get into airfreight/logistics?

It came with my role as Chief Commercial Officer.

What quote has most resonated with you?

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – attributed to Edmund Burke, 18th-century Irish philosopher

I believe that this quote is as relevant today as ever.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I greatly admire His Holiness the Dalai Lama and had the privilege of meeting him in person. One of his quotes that stays with me is:

“If a problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good.”

What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?

Flying in an aerobatic fighter jet and experiencing over 5G of force.

If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?

My grandparents. They passed away when I was very young, and I would love the opportunity to sit with them, hear their stories firsthand, and share my own. 

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

I co-authored a book on the history of Riga Airport, published as a gift for the airport’s 50th anniversary.

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