Former CEO Jonas Janukenas transitions to CFO role as aviation services group strengthens leadership for next phase of international growth
Avia Solutions Group has appointed Žilvinas Lapinskas as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 7 July 2026, marking a significant leadership transition as the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) provider accelerates its global expansion strategy.
Lapinskas succeeds Jonas Janukenas, who led the company for nearly nine years and will now assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, focusing on capital allocation, financial strategy and long-term value creation. The leadership realignment is designed to combine Lapinskas’ operational expertise with Janukenas’ financial stewardship as the group continues to strengthen its international aviation footprint.
Experienced Aviation Leader
Lapinskas brings extensive international aviation experience and a strong track record of scaling businesses in highly regulated markets. As Chief Executive Officer of FL Technics Group, a key Avia Solutions Group company specialising in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, he transformed the organisation from a regional European provider into a globally recognised MRO business serving Tier 1 airlines across multiple continents.
He will remain CEO of FL Technics until the end of July, when his successor is expected to be announced, while continuing to serve on the Avia Solutions Group Board of Directors.
Commenting on his appointment, Lapinskas said he was honoured to lead the organisation at a pivotal stage in its growth.
“Over the past several years, the Group has built a strong foundation for sustainable growth, and I look forward to accelerating that momentum. My immediate priority is to work closely with our teams to strengthen our operational footprint and build the long-term partnerships that will underpin our success in this highly competitive market,” he said.
Strategic Financial Leadership
Janukenas, who oversaw a period of significant international expansion during his tenure as CEO, will now concentrate on strengthening the company’s financial strategy and supporting its long-term growth ambitions.
“Leading the Group has been an extraordinary privilege, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. This is the right time for Žilvinas to take the helm. In my new role as CFO, I will focus on ensuring we maintain the financial discipline and strategic agility necessary to support our continued growth ambitions,” Janukenas said.
Positioned for Continued Growth
Welcoming the leadership transition, Gediminas Ziemelis, Founder and Chairman of Avia Solutions Group, said the appointments reflect the company’s long-standing philosophy of aligning leadership talent with strategic priorities.
“Our success has always been driven by placing the right leaders in the right roles at the right time. Žilvinas has a proven ability to build and scale aviation businesses globally, making him the right leader to guide our next phase of expansion. Retaining Jonas in a key leadership position ensures we continue to benefit from his deep understanding of the Group. This leadership structure provides the right platform for our continued global growth,” he said.
The appointment comes as Avia Solutions Group continues to expand its worldwide aviation services portfolio, which spans ACMI operations, passenger and cargo airlines, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, pilot training and other specialised aviation businesses across multiple international markets.
With Lapinskas leading operational growth and Janukenas overseeing financial strategy, the company is positioning itself to capitalise on increasing global demand for outsourced aviation services while strengthening its competitive position across the commercial aviation sector.
