• GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation have named Dakar Rally 2026 winner and three-time Lithuanian Rally Champion Vaidotas Žala as a brand ambassador, supporting his preparations for the 2027 Dakar Rally through a long-term partnership.
• The collaboration highlights the similarities between elite motorsport and aviation, with both industries relying on precision, engineering expertise and strong operational coordination to achieve performance and reliability.
• GetJet Group will use the partnership to showcase opportunities in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, following its expansion of MRO capabilities in Lithuania and plans to create around 200 new roles across Vilnius and Šiauliai.

GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation, part of GetJet Group, have announced a long-term partnership with Dakar Rally 2026 winner and three-time Lithuanian Rally Champion Vaidotas Žala, who joins both companies as a brand ambassador. GetJet Airlines and Airhub Aviation will also support Žala’s preparations for the 2027 Dakar Rally.

Žala is one of Lithuania’s most recognised motorsport figures, with international experience in endurance rallying, including his Truck category victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally. Beyond his achievements on the track, he is known for his technical understanding and close cooperation with engineering teams – qualities that connect motorsport with aviation.

“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 – 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,” says Vaidotas Žala.

According to Aleksandras Čeliadinas, Founder of GetJet Group, the partnership was built around shared values rather than a traditional sponsorship.

“Vaidotas is someone we would want on our team. 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. Through this partnership, we want to show people the expertise and dedication behind aviation and the opportunities this industry offers,” says Čeliadinas.

From automotive expertise to aviation careers

A key focus of the partnership is highlighting aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and the diverse team of professionals behind it.

In 2026, GetJet Group announced the expansion of its MRO capabilities in Lithuania, creating around 200 new positions across its bases at Vilnius and Šiauliai. As operations grow at the Airhub Aviation MRO centre at Šiauliai International Airport, the Group will need more skilled professionals, including aircraft maintenance engineers, technicians, supply chain and logistics specialists.

The company is also looking beyond traditional aviation backgrounds.

“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,” says Darius Viltrakis, CEO of GetJet Group.

When racing speed meets aviation readiness

According to Inga Duglas, CEO of GetJet Airlines, elite motorsport and aviation share many similarities.

“In racing, performance depends on the entire team working with precision. We see the same at GetJet Airlines. 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,” says Inga Duglas.

The partnership also reflects the experience both industries have: operating in demanding environments where preparation and adaptability are essential. The Middle East has been one of GetJet Airlines’ key growth regions, where the company has previously worked with Air Arabia and currently cooperates with the UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways.

“Vaidotas is preparing for one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges – the Dakar Rally. The technology and environments are different, but the principles remain the same: success depends on preparation, precision and the ability to respond quickly when conditions change. We are proud to support Vaidotas on this journey and look forward to being part of his future Dakar journey,” says Inga Duglas.

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