AERTiCKET founder Rainer Klee calls time as CEO

Holger Taubmann to take on top job after Klee’s 36-year reign

The team at international airline ticket wholesalers, AERTiCKET Group, is farewelling its founder and co-partner, Rainer Klee. 

Klee, who has been at the company’s helm for 36 years, is stepping down as CEO on 30 June 2025 and will continue to advise the company's management on issues relating to the internationalisation of the company.

"Rainer [Klee] stands for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, especially in the travel industry. What began around 40 years ago as an alternative Kreuzberg travel agency, he developed into an international group of companies with entrepreneurial courage and creativity," says Rainer Hageloch, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the AERTiCKET Group, in recognition of the visionary's life's work.

The AERTiCKET Group will continue upward trajectory, emphasises Hageloch: “We are delighted that Rainer Klee will continue to support us with his expertise in an advisory capacity.” 

This applies to the consolidator business in international growth markets.

As a prudent entrepreneur, Klee set the course for his succession early on, together with the main shareholder, AER Kooperation AG. 

Following his departure, the previous COO Holger Taubmann will take on the role: "I am looking forward to the new task. I have known AERTiCKET and its staff for many years and would like to thank Rainer Klee for the trust he has placed in me to continue leading this successful company, alongside Friedrich Floto as CFO. This is a great honour."

With around 850 employees at more than 40 international locations, the AERTiCKET Group is one of the largest airline ticket wholesalers in the world. 

For 35 years, the group has been a competent and reliable partner for travel agencies, tour operators and internet portals. Good purchase prices, first-class service and the development of innovative booking technologies characterise the Berlin-based company. 

The AERTiCKET Group issues around 7 million tickets a year, and the consolidator's database has 55 million airfares.