Aleksandr Celiadin, the founder of GetJet Airlines, has built a successful business in the aviation industry despite not being born into wealth or attending prestigious schools. His journey as a serial entrepreneur began in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he started as a sales executive for a struggling airline. Partnering with colleagues to take over the failing business, Celiadin gained valuable experience that led to the establishment of GetJet Airlines in 2016. The company has since grown to include 900 aviation professionals, three non-scheduled airline certificates, and asset management firms operating a fleet of 16 aircraft, with an Ebitda of $28 million for 2023.
Celiadin shares five essential lessons he has learned from his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the importance of embracing an entrepreneurial mindset and being willing to pursue innovative solutions to problems. He also highlights the value of learning from tough times, hiring the right people, being agile, and embracing one’s own definition of success. These lessons have guided him in both developing his business and honing his leadership skills over the years.
One key lesson Celiadin learned was the value of hiring the right people to complement his own strengths and weaknesses. Recognizing the importance of his team’s expertise in managing various aspects of the company, he encourages entrepreneurs to be humble enough to seek help when needed. Additionally, he stresses the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of team members who help drive continuous improvements in the business.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the aviation industry, forcing Celiadin and his team to pivot and adapt to new circumstances. In response to the crisis, they repurposed passenger planes for cargo transport, delivering medical supplies around the world and shipping Covid vaccines into Lithuania. By remaining agile and resilient in the face of adversity, Celiadin was able to keep his company afloat and maintain a customer-focused service during a challenging time.
As a successful entrepreneur, Celiadin encourages others to define their own version of success rather than getting caught up in external measures of achievement. For him, success means being the most profitable premium provider in the aviation sector and maintaining a high level of performance akin to a top Formula 1 team. By staying focused on what matters most to him and his company, Celiadin has been able to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and continue to grow and innovate in the aviation industry.
In conclusion, Aleksandr Celiadin’s journey as an entrepreneur showcases the power of resilience, adaptability, and a strong entrepreneurial mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving success in the business world. By sharing his experiences and lessons learned, he hopes to inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and navigate the complexities of building and running a successful business.
