The Numbers Matter. The People Matter More.

​

In this interview with Michal Kvaka, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you’ll learn:

• Why AEI’s values convinced an experienced CFO to join the company.
• What goes on behind the scenes of finance in a fast-growing aviation company.
• How finance, engineering and teamwork come together in everyday operations.
• How the HeliBuddy project and AEI’s expansion into the UK are progressing.
• Where Michal Kvaka sees AEI in ten years and which trends will shape the future of the aviation industry.

What made you decide to join AEI in 2024?

The conversations I had with Braňo (CEO). Those discussions were the deciding factor for me because I realized how important the company’s values were. At first, I thought they were more of a “nice slogan,” but over time I saw that Braňo genuinely lives those values every day together with the entire team. That level of authenticity and integrity really resonated with me.

Have you always been interested in aircraft and aviation?

Yes. Although my background is in finance, I became involved in aviation about 16 years ago. I entered the industry by coincidence, but it completely drew me in, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since.

As someone joining the company from the outside, what was the first thing you noticed about AEI?

The first thing that stood out to me was the less formal organizational structure. Compared to larger companies, where responsibilities and positions are very strictly defined, AEI is much more flexible. There is a strong emphasis on collaboration, and that was something I felt immediately. The company culture is truly unique.

What was your first day at AEI like?

My first day wasn’t exactly typical because I started working from home. At the time, we were selecting an external accounting and financial services provider, so that largely shaped my introduction to the company. Once I came into the office, I went through onboarding and had the opportunity to get to know the team.

And what does a typical day look like for you now?

There really isn’t a typical day. My role is very project-oriented, and every day brings different priorities. Whether it’s financial analysis, KPI management, or preparing data, there’s always something new to tackle. My morning can look completely different from my afternoon, and that’s exactly what I enjoy most.

Today, your role goes beyond being CFO, as you’re also involved in new projects such as HeliBuddy and AEI’s expansion into the UK. How would you describe that combination?

It’s incredibly exciting. We’re not focused solely on our core business—we’re constantly looking for new opportunities. Projects like HeliBuddy and our UK expansion are natural steps in our growth journey. They allow us to enter new markets, broaden our expertise, and continue developing as a company, which I find very rewarding.

Can you tell us what stage these projects are currently in?

In the Czech Republic, HeliBuddy has already obtained the required approvals and is now in the implementation phase. We’re actively working on acquiring new customers and expanding our services. In the UK, we’re still at an earlier stage, but we expect to significantly expand our presence during 2026.

In your opinion, what does the ideal collaboration between finance and technical teams look like in the MRO industry?

The ideal situation is when technical and finance teams agree on which performance indicators really matter. Almost everything can be measured, but the key is identifying the metrics that genuinely support the business. Open communication between these teams is essential for improving both productivity and efficiency.

Where would you like to see AEI in ten years?

In ten years, I’d like us to have fully optimized the processes we’re still refining today. I hope to see a larger company that has managed to preserve a strong team, close collaboration, and the spirit that defines AEI.

Which trend do you believe will have the greatest impact on the future of the MRO industry?

The pandemic showed us just how much an unexpected event can affect the entire aviation industry. While it’s impossible to predict every future trend, one thing is clear: the continued growth of air travel will remain a major driver. People’s desire to travel is stronger than ever, and we’re already seeing that reflected in the increasing demand for aviation services.

AEI is built on three core values: Discipline, Passion, and Working Together. Which one is closest to you, and why?

Working Together is definitely the value I relate to the most. The strong team spirit at AEI is something that immediately appealed to me.

How is AEI’s company culture different from the places you’ve worked before?

AEI’s culture is genuinely unique. Even as the company continues to grow, it never loses sight of its team spirit. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute and make an impact, which is incredibly motivating. Seeing that the company’s values are truly lived—not just written on paper—was one of the main reasons I decided to become part of AEI.

What do you think keeps the company together, especially during periods of growth and change?

The values we share are the foundation. Growth naturally brings change, but it’s important that we never lose what makes us strong—our teamwork and our willingness to support one another.

Which moment at AEI has stayed with you the most so far?

For me, it’s definitely the launch of the HeliBuddy project. We started it with the ambition of entering a completely new market, and today we’re already seeing tangible results. Those achievements, even the smaller ones, are incredibly meaningful because they show we’re moving in the right direction.

If you had to explain in one sentence why it’s worth being part of AEI, what would you say?

Being part of AEI means being part of something that creates real value and has a genuine impact—and that’s something you shouldn’t take for granted.