Xpat Interview: David Saunders

Three years ago myself and two partners decided to look at alternative countries to set up a aviation repair facility where it would be more cost effective for long term aircraft rebuilds. We looked at a number central European countries and found the engineering skills here of a high standard and the incentives to relocate here to Hungary were by far the best option for us. Also to be totally honest the airport and location of Gyor made our operation so central to Europe we were convinced Hungary was the right choice.

I relocated from South Africa and after almost 18 months of starting a business and adapting to a new life style I can say it was defiantly the right move. Our business is in restoring / rebuild old vintage aircraft and when you look at the high costs in other EU countries a long term build done here in Hungary can save a considerable amount of money for our clients. Some aircraft take 6 years of solid engineering and taking this into perspective of such a rebuild one can see the benefits of operating out of Hungary.

I do however miss a good evening cooking for friends and having someone to speak English with, however time for me to learn Hungarian, just so hard to learn.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Hungary early 2007 to start our new aviation company in Gyor.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes in South Africa.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The honesty and gentleness of the Hungarian people. 

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 
The night life.

5. What is your favorite Hungarian food? 
Gulyás.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator? 
Food and Beer.

7.What is your favorite Hungarian word? 
Köszönöm

8. What do you miss most from home? 
A good BBQ.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue? 
Retirement.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want? 
Policeman.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In South Africa.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
 Maldives.

13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen? 
Led Zeppelin

14. What can't you resist? 
A good wine.

15. Red wine or white? 
Red.

16. Book or movie?
Movie.

17. Morning person or night person? 
Morning.

18. Dog person or cat person? 
Both.

19. Buda or Pest side? 
Either.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Prior planning prevents piss poor performance.