PAULIUS NORMANTAS – WHY SETTLE FOR ONE INTERNSHIP WHEN YOU COULD DO TWO?

For the Training Coordinator at Avion Express, Paulius Normantas, the fascination with aviation began early. A childhood dream took flight during his first plane journey with a vision of becoming a flight attendant. Yet, by the time he graduated from high school, Paulius’ goals had changed, and he set his sights on aviation management. Paulius enrolled in Kazimieras Simonavicius University’s program, focused on this area, and applied for an internship at Avia Solutions Group after the first year of studies. And the rest is history.

Paulius landed his first role as a Recruitment Intern at Aerotime Hub (AviationCV), a company under Avia Solutions Group. This opportunity proved to be a key stepping stone in Paulius’ career journey. From learning the ins and outs of recruitment processes for pilots and cabin crew to managing flight documents and flying hours, this experience equipped him with a strong foundation in recruitment practices and regulations — skills he still successfully applies today.

However, it wasn’t all fun and games. When Paulius’ internship ended, the aviation industry was in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, with countless grounded flights and job freezes. Paulius had to adjust his plans, but even though he wasn’t able to secure a permanent position then, he remained hopeful and patient, understanding that the circumstances would eventually get better.

And they did. As the industry began to recover, so did Paulius’ growth opportunities within Avia Solutions Group. He returned for a second internship, this time in data mining. This role deepened his analytical skills, as he learned how to sift through vast datasets to uncover valuable insights — another skill that would prove invaluable in his future roles. Following this second internship, Paulius secured a position as a Crew Data and Training Coordinator at BBN Cargo Airlines Holdings.

Paulius says that his current role as a Training Coordinator is both challenging and rewarding, “The best part of my role is working with pilots from all over the world, learning how aviation regulations function in different ICAO countries, and seeing the happy faces when ICAO pilots achieve their dream of obtaining an EASA license.” Navigating the variety of unique aviation regulations across countries remains the biggest challenge, but Paulius embraces it as an opportunity to deepen his knowledge of international aviation standards.

When asked about his greatest achievement, Paulius highlights the relationships he’s built with aviation professionals globally. According to Paulius, “Working alongside pilots, instructors, and other industry experts has been incredibly rewarding and enriched both my career and personal life.”

For Paulius, Avia Solutions Group feels like a second family — the collaborative culture makes his workplace feel like home. Spending so much time in the office, Paulius has formed close bonds with his colleagues, who he describes as welcoming, dedicated, and equally driven by their shared goals and passion for aviation.