GetJet Group is using a new partnership with Dakar Rally winner Vaidotas Žala to encourage more automotive professionals to consider careers in aircraft maintenance, as it expands its MRO operations in Lithuania.
Žala, who won the Truck category at the 2026 Dakar Rally and is a three-time Lithuanian rally champion, has been appointed a long-term brand ambassador for GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation.
The partnership forms part of a wider recruitment campaign following GetJet Group's expansion of its MRO capabilities in Lithuania, where it plans to create around 200 new jobs across its facilities in Vilnius and Šiauliai.
As activity grows at Airhub Aviation's maintenance centre at Šiauliai International Airport, the company is seeking aircraft maintenance engineers, technicians, and supply chain and logistics specialists, while also targeting candidates from outside the aviation industry.
Darius Viltrakis, chief executive of GetJet Group, said: "Today, our Šiauliai hangar already employs dozens of specialists who moved into aviation from automotive.
"Many people do not realise that their skills - whether hands-on technical or corporate - can open the door to working in aviation.
"Through this partnership, we want to show that aviation is not a closed industry - it is a welcoming and rewarding career path."
Žala said the disciplines required in motorsport closely mirror those found in aviation.
"Dakar teaches you quickly that speed alone is never enough," he said.
"Around 70% of success in Dakar comes from preparation - much of the result is created before the race even begins.
"Aviation works the same way. I am excited to explore this industry from the inside together with GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation, Lithuanian-born companies with global operations."
GetJet Group founder Aleksandras Čeliadinas said the collaboration was based on shared values rather than a conventional sponsorship.
"Vaidotas is someone we would want on our team," he said. "He has achieved remarkable results, but he also understands that behind every individual achievement stands a combination of technology, preparation and teamwork. This mindset is very close to ours."
The agreement will also see GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation back Žala's preparations for the 2027 Dakar Rally.
GetJet Airlines chief executive Inga Duglas said both aviation and endurance motorsport depend on preparation, teamwork and the ability to respond rapidly in demanding environments.
"As an ACMI operator, our ability to respond quickly depends on close coordination between technical teams, flight operations, planning and crew.
"We can prepare an aircraft and crew for operation within as little as 1.5 hours after request confirmation."
She added: "We are proud to support Vaidotas on this journey and look forward to being part of his future Dakar journey."
