GetJet Airlines and its sister company Airhub Aviation have appointed Vaidotas Žala, winner of the 2026 Dakar Rally, as their official brand ambassador. The collaboration, announced this week, aims to draw parallels between high-stakes motorsport and the aviation industry, particularly in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.
Žala, a Lithuanian driver known for his technical expertise and teamwork, will represent the GetJet Group in promotional activities and support his preparations for the 2027 Dakar Rally. The partnership highlights the shared emphasis on preparation, technology, and adaptability that both sectors demand.
Shared Principles Across Industries
“Dakar teaches you quickly that speed alone is never enough. Although we operate in different fields, the principle is the same: around 70% of success in Dakar comes from preparation,” Žala said in a statement. His remarks align with the ethos of GetJet Group, whose founder Aleksandras Čeliadinas stressed the importance of technology and teamwork in aviation.
Inga Duglas, CEO of GetJet Airlines, noted the operational similarities between motorsport and aviation. “We can prepare an aircraft and crew for operation within as little as 1.5 hours after request confirmation,” she said, emphasizing the need for precision and rapid response.
MRO Expansion in Lithuania
As part of its growth strategy, GetJet Group is expanding its MRO capabilities in Lithuania, creating approximately 200 new positions. The company is actively recruiting skilled professionals, including those from non-traditional aviation backgrounds, to support its growing fleet and maintenance operations. This move comes as the group strengthens its presence in the Middle East, where it has been expanding charter and ACMI services.
The partnership with Žala also serves as a recruitment and branding tool, showcasing the opportunities within aviation maintenance to a wider audience. GetJet Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft and provides charter, ACMI, and wet-lease services to airlines and tour operators across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
For travel professionals, the collaboration underscores the value of cross-industry partnerships in building brand identity and attracting talent. As airlines and MRO providers face ongoing labor shortages, initiatives that highlight technical careers could help bridge the gap.
GetJet Group’s expansion in Lithuania adds to a broader trend of MRO investment in the Baltic region, where competitive costs and skilled workforces are drawing carriers and lessors. The company’s focus on rapid turnaround times and flexible operations mirrors the agility required in both motorsport and modern aviation.
