Dmytro Popel, CEO of SkyUp Airlines. Photo: SkyUp Airlines Changes in the top management of the tourism and aviation group SkyUp and Join Up!: Dmytro Sieroukho, who previously served as CEO of Join Up! Ukraine from 2013 to 2020 and CEO of SkyUp Airlines from 2020 to 2026, is moving to Group Commercial Officer and will lead the group's commercial efforts.
At the same time, Dmytro Popel, currently serving as acting CEO of SkyUp Airlines, is expected to be officially appointed CEO of the company, subject to approval by the State Aviation Authority of Ukraine.
The changes come as part of the group's process of transforming into an international tourism entity that brings together the Join Up! tourism brand, SkyUp airlines, a network of franchised travel agencies, the Travel Shop network, and an independent destination management company (DMC).
After more than 13 years in senior management roles in the tourism and aviation industries, Sayrokhov will move into a group-level role, where he will be responsible for developing a joint commercial strategy for the group's businesses. The goal is to create an integrated tourism services system that will accompany customers throughout all stages of their vacation.
His responsibilities will include strengthening cooperation between companies in the group, using shared resources more efficiently, and improving financial performance. At the same time, the managers of the various companies will continue to maintain independence in their day-to-day management, sales, and implementation of their strategies.
Dmytro Seirokhov: "We have come a long way, from developing a travel business in Ukraine to building an international group that brings together tourism, aviation, and our own sales channels. Today, our main priority is not simply to grow each business individually, but to make full use of our combined potential and make decisions based on what delivers the best results for the group.
For me, this new role marks the next stage in my career and brings responsibility for the commercial transformation of the entire group. Having led both businesses, I have gained a clear understanding of how they can strengthen each other, and what opportunities we miss when we plan their development separately," says Sieroukhov.
I am pleased to welcome Dmytro Popel to SkyUp Airlines. His management experience will help the airline continue its development, while our work together will ensure that the group's strategy is closely aligned with the capabilities of the aviation business. I am confident that, working alongside our leaders and teams across the group, we can take the business to the next level."
SkyUp Airlines. Photo: ShutterstockPopel comes to the position with experience in financial and strategic management in large companies, primarily in the transportation and energy sectors. He previously held senior finance positions at the Ukrainian national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, and also headed the finance department at the Ukrainian Aviation Group, which included the airlines AeroSvit, Dniproavia, Donbasaero and Windrose.
In recent years, he worked at the Naftogaz energy group, where he was responsible for the areas of economics and finance in the exploration and production division and participated in projects to change the financial management system.
In his new role, Popel will focus on improving the airline's operational and financial efficiency, developing the flight plan and fleet, and deepening collaboration with business partners.
Dmytro Popel: "For me, this appointment marks a return to aviation, an industry that has played an important role in my professional career. SkyUp™ has already established an international presence, built an experienced team, and developed a hybrid business model that creates opportunities across different segments of the aviation market.
I believe that sound business economics, reliable flight operations, and the trust of partners build sustainable growth. This is where we intend to focus our efforts, making SkyUp™ stronger, more efficient, and better positioned for further growth, while maintaining our unwavering commitment to flight safety and service quality,."
SkyUp was founded in 2017 and began operating flights in 2018. It has since expanded its international operations, including through SkyUp MT Limited, which holds a Maltese operating license, and through a strategic partnership with the Moldovan airline Sky Up Nistru.
The company operates an integrated business model that includes scheduled flights, charter flights and ACMI services, in which it provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance to other airlines.
According to the company, during 2025, SkyUp flew more than 3 million passengers and operated nearly 20,000 flights. Its scheduled flight program from Chisinau for the summer of 2027 includes 26 destinations, including more than ten new routes.