FL Technics’ new aircraft maintenance hangar in Punta Cana reflects the company’s commitment to creating real career pathways for women and professionals of all backgrounds in aviation. Viktorija Speteliūnaitė’s journey from hangar administrator in her home country of Lithuania to lead the People and Culture team in Punta Cana highlights the opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive, diverse environment.
Even as the global aviation sector continues to grow and evolve, women remain underrepresented in the industry. Only 14% of senior executive roles and 6% of top business seats in commercial aviation are currently held by women, according to IATA. At FL Technics’ newest aircraft maintenance hangar in Punta Cana, now in the final stages of construction, the company is rethinking the status quo, offering fresh career pathways for women and professionals of all backgrounds in one of the world’s fastest-evolving industries.
The opening of this new MRO facility is a practical step toward expanding opportunities across technical and leadership roles in aviation. This move comes as industry-wide data continue to highlight substantial gender gaps and limited career visibility, especially in technical pathways.
From entry-level to leadership
This focus on opportunity is reflected in real stories of career growth within the aviation industry. Viktorija Speteliūnaitė began her journey with as a hangar administrator in FL Technics’ facility in Kaunas, Lithuania in 2016. Her initial role brought her into daily contact with a broad range of colleagues and clients — a fast-paced, hands-on experience that sparked her interest in a long-term career in aviation.
“My first steps at FL Technics showed me how dynamic the industry is, but also how supportive the environment here can be,” Viktorija recalls. As she became more engaged with the team, her responsibilities grew, moving from administration to an introduction in Human Resources. Soon, she was working on projects ranging from process development to talent acquisition.
Throughout these transitions, she was given opportunities to learn, sometimes through trial and error. “What’s always meant a lot to me is the trust my managers placed in me. I was allowed to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep moving forward,” Viktorija says. That same foundation of support has equipped Viktorija to lead the People and Culture team at FL Technics’ new Punta Cana hangar, where she will be helping others take their next step in a rapidly growing field.
Adapting to new cultures, unlocking fresh perspectives
Taking on a leadership role in Punta Cana has meant more than just a new job title. For Viktorija, it’s a chance to support a team made up of different backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles, which she sees as an energizing challenge. “The local approach to work is often more measured, and there’s a real effort to maintain balance — something I think everyone could learn from. We’re used to pushing for results as quickly as possible, but I’m finding value in their way of really taking care and not rushing the process,” she shares.
The shift has encouraged Viktorija to rethink familiar routines and draw inspiration from a true mix of cultures. Even as she helps shape processes, she finds herself equally shaped by the open attitude of her new colleagues. “People here genuinely appreciate both involvement and recognition,” she observes. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm and curiosity — and I’ve learned you can make bigger strides when everyone feels they belong, no matter where you started out.”
For Viktorija, her story shows the value of rising to new challenges, both professionally and personally. “You have to step out of your comfort zone. Every stage has brought fears and doubts, but at the end of the day, all of us have similar hopes and worries. The important thing is to believe in yourself. Once you’re open to new experiences, there’s more room for motivation, connection, and shared growth on any continent.”
