Ruslan Bykovets joined Antonov in his final year at the National Aviation University of Ukraine as a load planning engineer. After four years, he moved to the commercial department and also worked as an aviation director. In total, he has 13 years of continuous aviation experience.
What quote resonates most with you?
“A real hunter knows how to wait.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
During my university years, I was offered a job in Moscow. At that time, it was very promising and widespread. But my father advised me to turn my vision 180 degrees. This advice allowed me to gain practical 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 trip on board Mriya as Flight Director. We were transporting a turbine for a hydroelectric power station 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 “Why was this all about? 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 like to thank for saving millions of lives. The third person I would meet is my grandfather because I didn’t have enough time With him.
What is something we don’t know about you from your CV?
You would never know that I cook deliciously and mix cocktails skillfully.
What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never got around to?
I have never parachuted before. There was always an opportunity like this, but I never took advantage of it because I was afraid of heights.
If you had not pursued a career in air freight, what field would you have gone into?
I will try to be a stockbroker.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
It would be a superpower to stop time.
Looking back on your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Don’t waste your time in 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 motivate anyone extra. Everyone is where they are and knows 100 percent why they are doing what they are doing and what results it brings.
Who is your role model?
Winston Churchill. Being a weak politician and orator, he managed to unite the nation, strengthen the country and lead his country to victory in World War II.
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 pampushka.
