Ruslan Bykovets joined Antonov in his final year at the National Aviation University of Ukraine as a load planning engineer. Four years later, he moved to the commercial department and also flew as a flight manager. In total, he has 13 years of continuous experience in the aviation field.
What quote has most resonated with you?
“A true hunter knows how to wait.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
During my university years, I was offered a job in Moscow. At that time, it was very promising and large-scale. But my father advised me to turn my gaze 180 degrees. This advice allowed me to gain work experience in the capital of the world – London. Now I understand that the patience and endurance I showed by listening to my father’s advice allowed me to live a valuable professional and personal life.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
My first flight on the Mriya as a flight manager. We were transporting a turbine for a hydroelectric power plant in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Adolf Hitler – I would ask him “What was it all for? And did he think about the possibility of defeat and the consequences of his actions?” Alexander Fleming – the scientist who discovered penicillin, whom I would thank for millions of saved lives. And the third person I would meet is my grandfather because I didn’t have enough time with him.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
You would never know that I cook deliciously and mix cocktails skillfully.
What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?
I have never jumped with a parachute. There was always such an opportunity, but I never took it because I was afraid of heights.
If you had not pursued a career in airfreight, what field would you have gone into?
I would try being a stockbroker.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
It would be a superpower to stop time.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Don’t waste time at university, you won’t have a second chance to get all the basic knowledge so quickly.
How do you motivate your team?
My team is self-motivated, so I don’t need to additionally motivate anyone. Everyone is in their place and knows 100 percent why they are doing their job and what results it brings in.
Who is your role model?
Winston Churchill. Being a weak politician and orator, he managed to unite the nation and the country’s power and lead his state to victory in the Second World War.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, of course.
Early riser or night owl?
An owl, of course.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Borscht with lard and pampushkas.
