Nordic Aviation Group CEO, Industry Veteran Palmér Set To Retire

One of Europe’s best-known aviation figures, Jan Palmér, plans to retire.  

Palmér, 72, currently CEO of the Estonian national airline Nordic Aviation Group (NAG), said June 27 that he intends to relinquish leadership of the group by the end of 2023, concluding a 45-year career. 

Palmér had previously managed a slew of Nordic airlines, including Cimber, Amapola Flyg, Malmö Aviation, and Skyways.  

Over the past decade, he has been at the helm of two Estonian airlines—Nordica and Xfly. Palmér took over as CEO of the unified NAG, which is owned by the Republic of Estonia and includes the brands Xfly and Nordica, on July 1, 2022.

“I have been privileged to having had the opportunity of contributing to the development of the aviation sector in Europe for more than two decades,” Palmér said. “Nordic Aviation Group ... has grown into a sustainable corporation. We are one of the largest outsourcing airline companies in Europe, and I believe that when all is well, it is the right time to hand over the baton to perhaps the next generation of leaders. The long-term contracts we have just signed will ensure that the airline has good development opportunities for the years to come.” 

Palmér’s contacts and energy “have helped to put the wind under the wings of many air connections that are necessary for the people of Estonia on a daily basis,” Estonia minister of economic affairs Kristen Michal said. “I would like to thank Jan for his great and lasting contribution to the development of air connections between Estonia and Europe.”