In 2025, Boryspil Magazine, Ukraine’s leading aviation publication, celebrates its 10th anniversary.
To mark this milestone, the editorial team has prepared a special series of interviews with Ukrainian leaders in the aviation industry who, despite the skies over Ukraine remaining closed for the past three years, have achieved remarkable success around the world.
Read the interview with interview with our Boryspil Magazine Award 2021 winner — Oleg Aframchuk, recipient of the award in the category: Outstanding Contribution to Aviation Safety and Mentorship.
How did you get into aviation, and what inspired you to choose this profession?
My journey in aviation began in my youth. Every takeoff and landing filled me with awe and deep respect for those who ensure safety in the skies. I realized early on that I wanted to be part of that team. The desire to help people, to stay calm in challenging situations, and to be at the forefront of an industry where every second matters — all of this inspired me to become a flight attendant. Since then, I’ve dedicated more than 15 years to aviation, progressing from a frontline crew member to a mentor and researcher in the field of aviation psychology.
Aviation is considered to be the safest mode of transport. Why, then, is fear of flying still so common among passengers?
O. Aframchuk: It truly is a paradox. Despite the statistics, many passengers experience fear simply because they feel a lack of control. The invisibility of processes, unfamiliar sounds during turbulence, the sense of confinement — all of these trigger anxiety. People aren’t afraid of the aircraft itself; they’re afraid of the unknown. That’s why educational initiatives are so important — to build trust in the crew and to teach passengers self-regulation techniques. In my practice, I’ve seen how the crew’s thoughtful approach can transform fear into confidence in just one flight.
How did the idea for SkyZen come about, and what makes the methodology unique?
O. Aframchuk: SkyZen was born at the intersection of my extensive aviation experience and a deep interest in psychology. I observed how stress affects both crew and passengers, especially during multi-day trips or unusual situations. SkyZen is a methodology based on breathing techniques, micro-pauses, mindfulness, and cognitive reset. What makes it unique is that it’s tailored specifically for in-flight use — it can be practiced right in the air. The system has proven effective not only in commercial aviation but also in UN humanitarian missions, where stress is a constant companion.
What are your plans for 2025 within the U.S. aviation industry?
O. Aframchuk: 2025 is a pivotal year for me. I’m continuing to integrate into the U.S. aviation sector and plan to expand collaboration with airlines, flight schools, and consulting firms. One major focus is implementing stress-management programs — not just for aviation professionals, but also for high-stakes industries like cybersecurity, IT, and the corporate sector. I’m also building partnerships with mentorship organizations and academic institutions to help train the next generation of aviation specialists, for whom resilience and teamwork will be just as crucial as technical skills.
Why did you decide to research the effectiveness of CRM (Crew Resource Management) in preventing aviation incidents?
O. Aframchuk: Throughout my years in aviation, I’ve seen how the human factor impacts flight safety. Fatigue, miscommunication within the crew, and a lack of stress resilience are often root causes of incidents. I’ve always been interested in how we can make crew interaction not just efficient, but life-saving. CRM isn’t just a theory — it’s the foundation of how we operate as a team, especially under pressure. I wanted to explore this topic in depth, from a research perspective: how can we prevent incidents by teaching people to manage their attention, support one another, and stay composed in critical moments? This became the focus of my recent study. That’s also why I’m actively seeking collaboration with universities, research institutes, and professional associations to work together in building a more resilient and human-centered aviation industry.
