DYLAN ZHANG — FROM INTERN TO MANAGER IN JUST 3 YEARS

Dylan Zhang’s story is not an ordinary one. Since childhood, the APAC Private Charter Manager at Skyllence has been captivated by aviation. The thrill of flying and the idea of connecting people across the world fascinated Dylan — so when it was time to start his career, he knew he wanted to be a part of this dynamic industry.

Dylan’s journey began as a Public Relations Intern at Avia Solutions Group. It was his first hands-on experience in the aviation world, and those 4 months were transformative for him. According to Dylan, the internship was more than just a stepping stone; it laid the groundwork for his career at Skyllence, giving him valuable insights into aviation and teaching him how to thrive in a professional environment.

During his time at Avia Solutions Group, Dylan learned about the aviation industry from the ground up. “I was responsible for tasks like translating company newsletters, copywriting news articles, and organizing company events.” One of Dylan’s greatest achievements was organizing a Spring Festival event in 2020. “I coordinated with various groups — from restaurant chefs to performers — to create a memorable celebration. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that helped me develop communication, event management, and teamwork skills,” shares Dylan.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The first month was especially challenging as Dylan tried to familiarize himself with the complex aviation landscape. However, with time, support from his colleagues, and lots of real-world practice, Dylan gained a much deeper understanding of the industry. “My team was incredibly friendly and easygoing, always open to answering my questions and helping me navigate this new territory. The group’s culture is filled with positivity, professionalism, and a forward-thinking attitude, making it an inspiring place to start and develop a career.”

One of the most valuable aspects of the internship was the professional network Dylan built. He’s particularly thankful to Vilma Vaitiekunaite, who was the Head of Communications at Avia Solutions Group at the time. “I admire her dedication and work ethic, which motivate me to aim higher in my own career. When my internship ended, I returned to university to complete my master’s degree, but the desire to continue working in aviation never left me. After graduating, Vilma, who had become the CEO of Skyllence, reached out and offered me the chance to join her new team as the APAC Private Charter Manager. It felt like a full-circle moment, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” remembers Dylan.

Now, as the APAC Private Charter Manager at Skyllence, Dylan’s role is to find potential charter customers in the Asia Pacific region and turn inquiries into deals. He also maintains relationships with existing clients, ensuring the company builds long-term partnerships. “The skills I developed during my internship — such as understanding how to present our company to clients and selecting suitable aircraft — have been invaluable in my current role. The internship set the stage for where I am today, and I’m excited to continue growing in this field,” asserts Dylan.