From Asia to Brazil: the journey of Vytautas Kazukauskas across three continents

“Would you like to go to Indonesia?” – this is the question a former colleague asked Vytautas Kazukauskas eight years ago. That single question led the experienced finance specialist not only to the other side of the world, but also into a career in aviation. Today, Vytautas is the Chief Financial Officer of Avion Express Brasil, part of Avia Solutions Group, and a strong believer in the value of working in an international environment for professional growth. He shared his career path from Lithuania to Southeast Asia and South America, the cultural differences he encountered, his desire for professional change, and the opportunities that open up when stepping into the world of aviation.

Vytautas, could you tell us about your professional path to aviation?

I pursued education and work in finance quite deliberately, and for my master’s degree I chose Edinburgh. Later, without planning to stay abroad for long, I returned to Lithuania and started working at one of the so-called Big Four consulting firms. I really enjoyed the work and the management. Five years passed quickly, and I began to feel that I had grown as much as I could within the company and wanted more diverse professional experience. Then I unexpectedly received a phone call from a former colleague who had already moved to Avia Solutions Group. He asked me quite directly: “Would you like to go to Indonesia?” At the time, an aircraft maintenance business just being established there – “FL Technics Indonesia”. Without much hesitation I agreed, and after two interviews I was already packing my bags.

After becoming CFO at the aircraft maintenance company, I was offered the same position at a newly established airline, BBN Indonesia, also part of the group.

How did you adapt to the new culture?

It’s an amazing country where the modern world coexists peacefully with centuries-old traditions – you might encounter black magic, or see a snake crawling around in a café or even in the office. There are also interesting cultural quirks. For example, in Indonesia some jobs are inherited and I don’t mean management roles in large companies. I heard from colleagues about more than one traffic controller who inherited his position from his father, who had worked at the very same intersection.

My experience in Indonesia changed me greatly. The company had just been established, so there was a lot to learn quickly, and the group’s accumulated experience significantly accelerated the process. The result was both professional and personal growth, a broader perspective, and a much stronger ability to consider different viewpoints and successfully adapt to them.

How does aviation in Indonesia and Southeast Asia differ from what we’re used to in Europe?

Indonesia is an archipelago, so air travel is the main mode of transport between cities. Tickets are inexpensive, and the country due to its size and strategic location is a very attractive market for aviation. And since most of our leadership team came from Europe, they brought a great deal of knowledge and experience that benefited Indonesia.

When developing aviation business in Southeast Asia, you must consider differences between countries. Knowing the regulations saves time and money, especially when it comes to matters like aircraft import and related taxes. By the way, not all rules are “serious” in their wording. For example, in Bali there is a law stating that buildings cannot exceed fifteen meters in height. This is the typical height of a coconut tree, so locals call it the “coconut tree rule.”

This is why it’s crucial to have people in your team who already understand the local specifics or can learn them quickly. One of Avia Solutions Group’s strengths is that the group has no shortage of dynamic talent who not only contribute to rapid growth and development but also create innovation.

After seven years in Asia, you decided to take on a new challenge and move to Brazil. What prompted this change?

I think it’s natural for a CFO to stay in a company for about five years. In roughly three years you organize and streamline everything, spend another two enjoying the smooth processes and your achievements, and then you begin looking for something new.

You want to stay longer when the company is growing rapidly or when you see a strong future for your career there. I spent almost seven years in Indonesia. I gained everything I wanted from that experience, so eventually it was time for change both in work and environment. Besides, my wife, whom I met in Indonesia, also wanted to live somewhere new.

As with my hiring at FL Technics, I didn’t actively search for a job, but when a new opportunity appeared within the group, I immediately called the CFO of Avion Express, whom I knew a little. Honestly, it took me just five minutes to decide, and the conversation with my wife was not much longer just about fifteen minutes.

What surprised you about Brazil? How is it different from Indonesia?

Brazil simply enchanted me: colorful carnivals, favelas, Caipirinha cocktails. On the other hand, before moving we were a bit worried about concerns over safety in the country. But I believe that if you take care of yourself, you’ll be fine.

As for differences, Indonesia and Brazil are completely different cultures. I would describe Brazil as “hugs and kisses.” When people arrive at the office in the morning, everyone hugs and kisses each other on the cheek, and they repeat the same ritual when leaving.

Can you tell us about Brazil’s work culture? How are foreign investors viewed there?

Brazilians arrive on time for meetings, unlike in Indonesia, where there’s even a phrase, jam karet, meaning “rubber time.” Your commute may take twenty minutes or three hours. If your meeting is scheduled for three o’clock, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will start then traffic jams can be enormous. But Brazilians are punctual. It’s also very important to know the language, because only a small part of people in local institutions speak English. I already learned Indonesian, and now I’m learning Portuguese.

In Brazil, we are viewed very positively. We are the first ACMI (aircraft leasing with crew) service provider in the country. Institutions are open to dialogue, eager to learn about our business model, and sometimes even adapt regulations specifically to our operations. Since both government institutions and the state itself are looking to attract foreign companies and investment, we receive a lot of support.

Aviation in Brazil is highly developed, partly due to the large distances between cities. The country’s three major airlines are also the biggest in all of South America. Despite their large fleets, demand for aircraft remains high, so we are constantly in discussions with them and hope they will become our clients in the near future.

What about other Avia Solutions Group companies on the continent? Do you collaborate with them?

We frequently collaborate and coordinate our work with the parent company Avion Express in Lithuania, as well as Avion Express Malta. They are very active in Mexico, Argentina, and other South American countries. Our goal is to align sales strategies and maintain a consistent level of service quality.

We also work closely with Chapman Freeborn, which offers charter flight services in Brazil. We completed our first projects in the country together as partners.

Finally, we maintain close ties with FL Technics, which is currently finishing the construction of a hangar in the Dominican Republic. Once all required certifications are obtained, it will become one of our group’s stations, servicing Brazilian airlines as well.

What advice would you give to a young person who has just graduated and received a job offer abroad? What determines success and satisfaction at work?

I recommend seeking opportunities in large international companies that are expanding abroad and can offer greater career prospects. This is extremely valuable both professionally and personally. Of course, it won’t suit or appeal to everyone, but you won’t know until you try.