In aviation, there are thousands of career success stories, but have you ever heard of someone transitioning from shaping brand narratives as a Chief Communications Officer to leading an air charter brokerage company? Meet Vilma Vaitiekunaite, the CEO of Skyllence, who has not only become a pioneering force in the industry but has also redefined what it means to lead with vision and passion. We spoke with Vilma to explore her journey, from the early inspirations that guided her to aviation to the milestones she continues to achieve in setting new standards for leadership and service excellence.
Roots of Passion
While Vilma’s impressive professional journey is driven by her dedication and skill, her deep connection to aviation can be traced back to her early family influences. Her father, who had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, was unable to pursue this path due to a vision impairment — a common barrier at the time. However, his passion for aircraft was contagious, making aviation a frequent and cherished topic of discussion within the family. Also, her mother worked at a military airbase, which provided Vilma with a unique insight into the complex operations, discipline, and technological developments that define aviation. “I’ ve always been an ‘aviation geek type of girl’ at heart! Discovering, for example, new jet announcements excites me far more than the latest haute couture collections,” says Vilma.
What makes this story stands out
Vilma’s career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Fifteen years ago, she started working in communications across various brands – from aircraft leasing and maintenance to ground handling and VIP airliners. She quickly realized the power of storytelling within the complex dynamics of the industry” ecosystem. In her most recent role as Chief Communications Officer at a leading global aviation brand, Vilma was responsible for crafting messages that resonated with stakeholders, investors, and clients. This multifaceted experience allowed her to see the bigger picture of the industry, one she felt empowered to transform, ready to take a more prominent role. While in the corporate world transitioning directly from a communications background to a CEO position is uncommon, Vilma saw it as a challenge she’s willing to take: “As a Chief Communications Officer you have the experience of putting down all the fires and finding the best solutions no matter the situation, and although it’s theoretically the top position in the field, I knew there must be more room to grow.”
The opportunity to lead Skyllence came at a pivotal moment, for both Vilma and the company. Skyllence was in need of some new winds in terms of brand identity and strategical direction, which presented a perfect opportunity for Vilma to start fresh, essentially reinventing passenger air charter brokerage services. Today, Vilma is certain that the company is finally on the right track: “Since joining Skyllence as CEO, I’ve focused on strengthening our brand presence and making Skyllence attractive to business aviation professionals as well as our clientele. In less than two years, the company has bloomed, and our competitors are now looking to replicate our success.”
Leadership that Puts People at the Forefront
At the heart of Skyllence’s remarkable success lies Vilma’s commitment to following a bold yet focused strategy: to lead the industry by integrating innovation, prioritizing service excellence, and maintaining agility in the face of market changes.
“The future of aviation lies in the seamless integration of technology and human expertise to deliver extraordinary experiences.”
Given the relationship-driven nature of the business, where human connections are central to every operation, Vilma’s prior experience and communication skills are real lifesavers, helping ensure that everyone is heard and seen, problems are addressed promptly, and collaboration is seamless. Skyllence is a brand that is equally client-centric and employee-centric. Vilma believes that the key to sustained success is a workplace culture where employees feel empowered, valued, and motivated to innovate. She consistently emphasizes that the company’s progress is a collective achievement:
“Here, we do things differently. I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their projects and instilling a sense of responsibility. You have to trust your people and give everyone the stage to shine.” She also highlights that there is no (and should never be) ideal employee profile — instead, the team’s strength lies in diversity and inclusivity.
Ahead in Client Experience
“ Drawing from her communications background, Vilma emphasizes that the key skills of listening, paying attention to details, and responding under pressure are crucial when interacting with air charter clients daily.
The Visionary Leading Aviation’s Next Chapter
She believes Skyllence distinguishes itself in the market with its unique approach to client requests, where nothing is ever “too wild” or unattainable, and every adventure is possible once client needs are identified. Extensive experience, a wide network of partners, and flexibility give them a competitive edge. Under Vilma’s leadership, the company has made significant investments in advanced data analytics and technology, enabling it to anticipate client needs and tailor services accordingly. This level of attention to innovation and responsiveness has not only enhanced customer satisfaction but has also driven loyalty, making Skyllence the preferred choice for clients seeking exceptional air charter services.
More Than Corporate Responsibility
When asked about current industry challenges and their impact, Vilma confidently explains that aviation has always been a demanding, 24/7 field: “Even during the pandemic, we managed to leverage our network and expertise to provide critical services, ensuring business continuity and connectivity.” By implementing stringent safety measures and maintaining clear communication, Skyllence continues to provide essential support and reassurance to clients and partners both in times of uncertainty and during regular operations.
However, finding the right balance remains a challenge — working around seasonality and matching summer’s high demand with adequate capacity during the quieter winter months in Europe alone is an ongoing effort. And while commercial aviation continues to face issues like staffing shortages and a disrupted supply chain, business aviation saw a surprising boost. Demand surged by 48% during the pandemic and has since stabilized at about 20%, maintaining strong performance. Vilma also stresses the importance of taking immediate responsibility for addressing such challenges, whether they relate to demand, environmental issues, or social concerns. At Skyllence, they work with suppliers that are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and invest in fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels. Vilma and her team are also strongly committed to social responsibility and ethical business practices, regularly implementing various initiatives to support the community, advance social causes, and uphold high ethical standards across the industry. This holistic approach to corporate responsibility is a great example of the impact a company can have when everyone works together, guided by a leader who shares their values.
Vilma also stresses the importance of taking immediate responsibility for addressing such challenges, whether they relate to demand, environmental issues, or social concerns. At Skyllence, they work with suppliers that are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and invest in fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels. Vilma and her team are also strongly committed to social responsibility and ethical business practices, regularly implementing various initiatives to support the community, advance social causes, and uphold high ethical standards across the industry. This holistic approach to corporate responsibility is a great example of the impact a company can have when everyone works together, guided by a leader who shares their values.
Aspiring to Lead the Future of Aviation
”No one succeeds alone,” says Vilma, thanks the team for trusting her vision, and adds: “My main goal at the moment is for my team to be content with our work and how we do things. When my team is happy, I know that our clients are treated well and will keep returning to us with all their travel plans.” Looking ahead, she sees Skyllence as a leader in innovative air charter solutions, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the skies and on the ground.
“True innovation emerges from embracing diversity and empowering teams to challenge conventions and redefine the norm.”
