Hands-on Experience for Future Aviation Professionals: Magnetic Trading Gifts Components to Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Students

The importance of cultural understanding for Spare parts trading and team expansion in the Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market in aviation – both aircraft fleet and MRO-wise. And business development in this region is a challenge as well as an opportunity – and according to Eigirdas Keblikas, Head of Spare Parts and Assets Asia at Magnetic MRO, the cultural understanding is one of the key factors that determine your success. In 2019, Magnetic MRO announced they are opening the office in Kuala Lumpur. What were the main influencers for this decision? Eigirdas Keblikas:

For the past years, there was noticeable growth of the economy in Asia-Pacific – not only in aviation but in most of the industries. Of course, the aviation industry's growth was the key factor we evaluated when considering the expansion to the region. In fact, the aviation industry in the region grew fastest in the whole world, and in the next few years, it is estimated that the region will have the highest number of aircraft spare part. This reason was the primary influencer for Magnetic MRO to open the office in Malaysia. Also, the cultural and business differences played an important role as well. In the region, face to face communication, meetings are an important part of daily business life, therefore being present and able to meet with key players opens the door for us to the market. Before the Kuala Lumpur office launch, we had a very few deals within the region; therefore, it was unexplored land of opportunities – and we were ready to seize them! 

How long was the process of the business unit establishment in Malaysia? What were the main challenges with regards to team formation and expansion? EK: 

Although the idea to establish an office in Malaysia was born a while ago, the actual process took around a year or so. We started from scratch, so it was a significant investment – first of all, from a human resources perspective. I myself relocated to Malaysia late August and took care of the formation of the team there. Biurocracy is a considerable challenge in the region, but I would probably outline the workforce issues more as it is hard to find experienced people to join the team – however, this is a common issue not only in Asia Pacific region but globally.

Can you share the key results of the first few months since the office was opened? What were the main contacts and the main deals? EK:

 In the first few months, we have established contacts with clients from Malaysia as well as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand to name a few, and one of the most significant projects we had so far was a landing gear deal for Indonesia's Presidential aircraft. We are in the process of working with various airlines – but still, there's a lot of space for expansion for us. It is important to note that although the industry is big and ever-growing, the competition is also fierce and nobody waits for you with open arms. So a consistent work of the highest quality, as well as communication, is the key that slowly opens the doors.

What are the plans and predictions within the region in 2020? EK:

For us, the main plan is the expansion of the team. Also, we are considering the option to have our local stock in Asia which would allow us to offer AOG components pool and allow us to service clients even better than now. As for the region, the growth is inevitable. And it considers not only the number of aircraft but a number of MRO's as a result. More aircraft landing gears are being serviced in Malaysia; therefore the growth will still be big – and this will also drive new investments which will continue re-shaping the industry in the region.

What were the main challenges your team has faced at the start of the operations in the region? How you and your team have tackled these challenges? EK:

I think as, in any case of relocation, one's faced with cultural challenges both in professional and personal life. Business and relationships are formed in a different way than in Europe, and communication here is less formal, more personal and very direct. However, open-minded attitude is probably the main factor that helped our team and me to integrate quickly.

What are the most important differences between spare parts trading operations in Europe and the Asia Pacific? EK:

Taking cultural differences aside, when compared to Europe, Asia is very cash orientated. They have different net terms, and it is more cash intensive market, which differentiates it from Europe. We expected more differences in competition; however, most of the companies working in Europe have already established themselves in the region. 

Doing business in Asia differs from other regions, and you mentioned the importance of cultural understanding. Can you elaborate, what are the key differences, and how does it differentiate the fluidity of work processes between regions? What are the fundamental differences and how does it influence your work? EK:

As mentioned before, business relationships are more commonly formed in meetings, meaning it extends the process and requires a lot of personal engagement. But we take this as a part of culture, fundamental base of the business and adapt our work to these regional specifics.

Establishing a new office in a new region can be challenging not only for the business but for the people working within the company. How did you find the relocation process? EK:

Although I am well-travelled, it wasn't easy at the beginning. From food to time zones, all was different. It is always busy here – not something we are used to living in a city in Northern Europe. But this is also a natural part of the relocation – it would have been crazy to expect it to be all easy and simple. And I am glad it was not – not only it shaped my attitude and allowed me to grow personally, but also was a welcome challenge!

Article source:-https://www.magneticgroup.co/importance-cultural-understanding-spare-parts-trading-team-expansion-asia-pacific/

Anniversary Interview: Airina Kacienaite-Krake

At a four-year anniversary mark with Magnetic Group, Airina Kacientaite-Krake, the Head of Magnetic Trading, shares her story. From Airina’s career beginnings to her take on leadership, we also get a glimpse into life at Magnetic and what it’s like to lead a cross-country team.

What is your background education and career-wise leading up to Magnetic Group?

Starting with education, I have a BA degree in accounting and an MA in International Business Economics. Right after, I spent over a decade working in the banking sector in sales aircraft engine components supply, then as the Head of Sales of car and operational leasing. After that, I received an invitation to work at an aviation company, and from then onwards, I never looked back. From the industry's appeal to the global scope and my team, all these aspects perfectly make up the foundation for why I love what I do, including being part of the Magnetic Group. 

Could you share some of your proudest achievements while you’ve been with the Trading department for the past four years? 

One thing I strive for is implementing structures. With that, naturally comes building up Magnetic Trading to what it is today and doing all of it together with the team. This meant implementing processes and workflows, launching offices across the globe, and unifying them, all leading to a structured and well-optimized department. Another achievement is team-wise, having a low employee turnover and a core that hasn't changed for years. All in all, I could sum it up, resulting in increased sales and global expansion.

As a manager, do you have a team and leadership philosophy that you follow? 

I delved into this topic more thoroughly in my earlier article on leadership. An example of my leadership philosophy is the “servant leadership” approach. This philosophy emphasizes a leader's commitment to serving the needs of their team members and empowering them to succeed.

With that said, the leadership style varies depending on the company and what stage your department is at. For example, we had a transformational focus for some time to synchronize everything and everyone into smooth processes. Once the foundation is laid, the focus shifts more towards individual growth, all based on their independent paths and responsibilities, which is the case for us now.

Where is the Magnetic Trading brand headed in 2024? 

The keyword for 2024 is expansion across the board. We are kicking off the year with the newly opened office in Miami and its dedicated warehouse, so we'll continue scaling our efforts and strengthening our presence there, including people, stock, and brand awareness. The same goes for cultivating the Asia-Pacific region, increasing our business activities and sales engine material, building a separate stock, and growing the local team.

To wrap it up, how would you describe working at Magnetic in five words?

Some words are inherited from the industry's nature, but there's a balancing act between all five words: challenging yet rewarding, providing freedom with which simultaneously comes ownership. Also, it is tight-knit, especially regarding our culture. We always have our minds set on the target, but meanwhile, we also make sure to enjoy the ride and celebrate progress and those smaller wins.

Magnetic Academy: Meet Martin Paberit

Magnetic Group has launched a new workforce training program, the Magnetic Academy, to educate a new generation of aircraft technicians in Estonia. In this light, it is a pleasure to introduce Martin Paberit, a Lead Mechanic in Magnetic MRO.  

In 2020, Martin started in the company as an apprentice and was also the fan favorite at the “Praktik Cum Laude” Best Apprentice in Estonia contest in 2021. Let’s see what advice he has to give to people who are thinking about starting their aviation career with Magnetic Academy.  

How did your career in aviation and Magnetic MRO start? 

I was stuck in my comfort zone in my previous workplace in logistics. I had done that work for over 10 years and I wanted to bring change into my life. The aviation industry had been attractive to me already for years and I had applied for several jobs in aviation but without success.  

One day in January 2020 I saw an advertisement in the Estonian plane spotters Facebook group, where Magnetic MRO was looking for new candidates for a vocational study group. I applied and got selected. 
 
What were your first impressions upon joining Magnetic MRO? 

I was excited to be near aircraft every day – to see how they’re built, what parts and components are removed for maintenance repair and overhaul and to learn how airplanes work. Also, the people were mostly friendly and helpful. There was a lot of new information in the beginning about how work and studies are exactly organized, which logbooks and how much I need to fill them etc.  
 
How has your career developed since you first started as an apprentice in 2020? 

After working in the base maintenance department for almost 4 years I have achieved the maximum level that an unlicensed mechanic can achieve in the Magnetic MRO base maintenance department. I have become a level 3 lead mechanic. But that is not the end. I have already taken steps to become a licensed technician, hopefully in 2025. 
 
Can you share a specific moment during your apprenticeship that significantly stands out or shaped your skills and career aspirations? 

I perform many different maintenance tasks – starting from simple tasks like opening access panels or removing landing gear wheels. Finishing with more complex tasks like performing tests or assembling different components. All according to maintenance manuals or other related documents.  

As a lead mechanic, from time to time I also need to guide the less experienced and younger mechanics and trainees and take responsibility for organizing our teamwork or replacing our zone-leader. 
 
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting a career in aviation and joining Magnetic Academy? 

If you are passionate about airplanes, interested in technical hands-on work, and want a secure job in the aviation industry, you should apply. The beginning may be hard and there will be a lot to learn. But in the long term, it is a great opportunity to become a specialist who is needed in Estonia and abroad.