At the start of the year, Erikas Zubrus joined Magnetic Leasing as the newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer to steer the commercial side of the business at the global level. With nearly two decades of experience, Erikas shares his aviation story, business intricacies, and why aviation is addictive once you’re in.
Could you tell us about your professional experience leading to Magnetic Leasing?
Erikas: 2006 marked the beginning of my aviation career. For the best part of these 18 years, with a few minor gaps and exceptions, I worked on the airline side of the business. All of the industry supply chain businesses, such as leasing, maintenance, part suppliers, etc., were always a counterpart, meaning I was on the customer's end in each scenario.
As I was involved in various innovation-oriented projects focused on finding new ways to approach and improve the airline industry, I've gained a broad spectrum of experience in different business types and approaches while working with various suppliers. All those years were dedicated to delivering what's best for the airline, in a sense, like spreading a message and simultaneously educating what is needed for airlines on the product side.
At Magnetic Leasing, I sit on the other side of the table. It's interesting to see the other perspective and exciting to develop solutions that customers are looking for. In other words, live up to the Magnetic Group's slogan, "We help aviation companies help the world."
What are your primary responsibilities and goals in your current role as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)?
Erikas: In brief, I'm very much focused on finding a product that is needed by the market but is not fully served or available yet. As CCO, you work with your partners and customers on a daily basis, trying to understand their needs. After looking into all the synergies Magnetic Group can provide, you try to come up with the best-fit solution.
Where is the brand headed in 2025?
Erikas: It's important to note that Magnetic Leasing is not a classical leasing platform. Its uniqueness stems from its origins, which are a tight connection with Magnetic MRO. The core benefit is having access to all the experience and services that MRO can provide, such as looking at the asset from a "maintenance angle."
For this reason, when it comes to asset acquisitions and the type of portfolio we aim to build, we always look at how we can add value from this exclusive cooperation with MRO. As we say internally, regarding what we do: "We are monetizing our know-how."
You've been in the industry since the early 2000s; what are some of the significant developments or changes you've observed in your line of business?
Erikas: Other than developments on the technological front, throughout the years, you can see a vast difference in how all of the industry companies are trying to work closer. Whether you're an airline, lessor, or maintenance provider, it is noticeable that parties are more willing to collaborate and tackle issues more closely, aiming to find mutually beneficial scenarios. Also, as industry businesses are constantly under pressure to be leaner, you can notice how companies are becoming more agile in how they operate.
What's your favorite part about working in aviation?
Erikas: No matter how many challenges you solve and overcome today, this industry always has yet another one waiting for you. Good times or bad times for aviation, you just know that there is something new coming every day. This business is as dynamic as it gets, so as soon as you are in this whirlpool of action, it's difficult to get out of it, almost addictive.
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