Today’s aviation industry encompasses far more than just aircraft, maintenance, or logistics. Digital technologies, process automation, and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly vital role, enabling organizations to operate more efficiently and make smarter decisions.
Ernestas Kačerauskas, Head of Digital Transformation at FL Technics, discusses the day-to-day life of a digital transformation leader, the opportunities awaiting technology specialists in the aviation sector, and why this industry is becoming an attractive choice for building an international career. In this interview, he shares insights on implementing innovations, applying artificial intelligence, navigating professional challenges, and the qualities that help create long-term value in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
Many people only see the end result of your work, without realising the extensive process behind it. Could you tell us more about what you actually do and what your role involves?
My primary role within the organisation is to help the business operate more efficiently through technology. This means not only implementing new tools but also simplifying and automating everyday processes.
Together with my team, we develop internal solutions ranging from process automation and data analytics tools to system integrations. We are also responsible for maintaining the IT infrastructure and ensuring that our solutions are reliable, secure, and user-friendly.
Another important part of my work is collaborating closely with external partners, enabling us to adopt the latest technologies and implement industry best practices. Much of the value we create happens behind the scenes—by analysing business needs, identifying opportunities, and continuously improving processes.
Artificial intelligence is often discussed as a technology that may replace professionals across different industries. Has AI already become an everyday tool in aviation?
The potential applications of AI are much broader than what we currently use in practice. In aviation parts trading, we have already begun implementing AI-powered solutions that help our sales teams work faster and more efficiently.
I’ve noticed that people are very positive about these tools because they eliminate repetitive, mechanical tasks and allow employees to focus on work that truly creates value.
What inspired you to build your career in the aviation industry?
What continues to inspire me most is the opportunity to work in a truly global market, where the biggest limitations are often the ones we set ourselves rather than those imposed by the market.
Another important factor is that the decision-making centre of an organisation operating on this scale is based in Lithuania. This allows us not only to execute initiatives but also to contribute to strategic decisions.
And, of course, people make a huge difference. Working alongside highly skilled, supportive colleagues and leaders creates an environment where it’s enjoyable to grow every day.
What were the biggest challenges at the beginning of your career, and how did you overcome them?
This industry requires highly specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of business processes. There is very little room for superficial knowledge—you need to fully understand how the business operates to identify improvements that create real value.
The biggest challenge at the start of my career was gaining that level of understanding. It takes time, patience, and hands-on experience. Over time, practical experience enables you to make well-informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to business results.
How has working in aviation changed you – not only as a professional but also as a person?
One of the things I enjoy most is communicating directly with the people who use the solutions we create. Understanding how they work, what challenges they face, and finding ways to help them is incredibly rewarding.
I also try to respond quickly to feedback because that’s where real value lies.
This is one of the greatest advantages of the B2B environment—you get to know your customer personally, even if that customer is your colleague. Earlier in my career, I worked in B2C, where decisions were often driven purely by numbers. Here, every number represents a real person.
You began your career in the fast-paced B2C environment at Pigu.lt before moving into the B2B aviation sector. What are the biggest differences between these two worlds, and which one suits you better?
The aviation industry is built around long-term decisions and significant investments. As a result, it requires leadership focused on strategy and sustainable organisational culture.
For example, companies invest heavily in people because training aviation professionals is both complex and expensive. It’s important that employees see long-term career opportunities within the organisation.
I experience this long-term mindset in my own projects as well. When working with emerging technologies that involve uncertainty, leadership support and a long-term perspective become critical success factors.
That’s why the B2B model is a better fit for me -it allows you to build sustainable value and clearly see the impact of your work.
Aviation is still sometimes perceived as a male-dominated industry. What would you say to women who are unsure whether there’s a place for them in technical aviation?
Aviation stopped being “just a men’s industry” a long time ago. Today, women have the same opportunities as men to build successful careers in technical and non-technical roles alike.
Historically, many civil aviation professionals came from military backgrounds, but that is no longer the dominant pathway. The industry has become far more open and diverse.
From my own experience, women not only build successful careers here but also receive strong support from their colleagues. Diverse teams create stronger and more effective workplaces, so I would encourage anyone considering this career path to pursue it with confidence.
What would you say to someone who believes aviation isn’t for them because it’s too complicated?
I’d encourage them not to judge a book by its cover.
If you’re considering your future career in Lithuania but want to work in a world-class industry, take the time to discover the role Lithuanian professionals play in global aviation. It often completely changes people’s first impression.
Ironically, we still don’t talk enough about these achievements in Lithuania, even though they are well recognised internationally.
What personal qualities are most important for building a successful career in aviation?
Because aviation requires highly specialised knowledge, we often follow the principle: “Hire for attitude, train for skills.”
Technical knowledge matters, but we place just as much emphasis on personal qualities—communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to clearly explain and justify ideas.
Our goal is to build teams of people who are eager to learn, committed to helping others, and capable of becoming true professionals. Combined with persistence and continuous learning, these qualities are what ultimately lead to long-term success.
If you could go back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give yourself?
I would repeat one of the most valuable pieces of advice I received from my manager: don’t rush. Take the time to understand the business processes, talk to people, and learn how they work.
At the time, this advice was difficult to accept because I had already accumulated significant experience in another industry and wanted to apply it immediately.
Today, I understand that in aviation you cannot simply transfer general business principles without first understanding the fundamentals of the business itself. Deep understanding is what ultimately enables you to create meaningful value.
Aviation is one of those industries where results come with time, experience, and consistency. But that’s exactly what allows you to build solutions that have a real impact on a global scale.
