Meet Darius Vaitonis, the newly appointed Chief Information Officer at Avion Express. In this interview, Darius will talk about the role of IT in the industry, the opportunities for IT professionals, and why aviation is an exciting field for those looking to grow their careers in IT industry.
Darius, what makes IT in aviation unique?
IT in aviation is fast-paced and heavily regulated, so we always have to think beyond just technology. Every project presents unique challenges, but that’s what makes it exciting.
Can you explain more about what your team does? What are the possibilities for IT professionals in aviation?
We have four teams here: Information Security, Digital Solutions, IT, and Data Analytics.
The Information Security team is responsible for keeping our data secure and ensuring compliance with EASA Part-IS and NIS2 regulations. The Digital team automates manual processes and improves data accuracy, the IT team supports our users and systems and manages our entire infrastructure. The Data team gathers data from various sources and creates insights from it.
There’s no single “IT path” in aviation – you can specialize in security, automation, infrastructure, analytics, or many other areas, depending on what drives you.
How did your career journey lead you to your current leadership role at Avion Express?
When I joined Avion Express in 2019, I started as an IT Analyst. In this role, I had the chance to understand the company operations and business, as well as develop my leadership and technical skills. Today, I work to increase productivity, develop innovation, and improve our information security. Success in this role isn’t just about technical knowledge – it also requires a deep understanding of the business. By aligning IT with strategic goals, I support and drive the company’s growth.
Why aviation? What was the underlying motivation to join this industry? Or did it choose you?
I was impressed by the job ad featuring the aircraft engine, so I decided to give it a shot. And once I was in, I truly understood why people are so passionate about this industry.
Is there anything you really love about your job? Can you share?
What I really love is the pace of the industry and the opportunity for complex problem-solving. It’s incredibly rewarding when your team finishes a project and you see how much it helps your colleagues in their daily routines.
What aspects of Avion Express as a company do you enjoy most?
Avion Express’s identity. There are no lone players here; we succeed together as a team. And, of course, knowledge-sharing among colleagues is encouraged—no one makes fun of you for not knowing something specific. Instead, they take the time to explain, so you continue learning about aviation every day.
