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Aviapartner developments within our processes . In many ways , we are not just a ground handling services provider , but also a technology company ,” he enlightens .
Philip ’ s forward thinking enabled Aviapartner to emerge from the pandemic even stronger , though not without having to make difficult choices . “ Between April and May 2020 , we faced significant ongoing costs and minimal activity , resulting in substantial financial losses . Thus , we considered restructuring , like many other companies , reducing wages , or selling part of our equipment . However , I pleaded strongly with the board not to do any of the above and to keep as many resources available as possible and especially human ones . I was convinced that the aviation industry would quickly rebound after the pandemic , meaning we would need as many qualified staff and as much equipment as possible to avoid chaos . Fortunately , the board agreed and while many European airports experienced difficulties coping with the sudden increase in demand that followed the pandemic , it was not the case in the airports we serve .
“ Instead of passively waiting for the pandemic to end , we successfully renegotiated contracts with suppliers and subcontractors to optimize costs . We also focused on increasing efficiency , productivity , and quality in our negotiations with unions , rather than reducing salaries . Retaining our staff throughout this difficult period proved beneficial as our only competitor in Brussels went bankrupt in June 2020 , leaving us to handle all flights in the city . While this was a challenge , our management team was already strongly reinforced , and most of our workforce was still on board , allowing us to be fully prepared for this unforeseeable situation .”
Embracing inclusivity
Before concluding our interview , Philip highlights Aviapartner ’ s appreciation for its diverse workforce . “ At Aviapartner , our team
comprises people of various ethnicities , nationalities , religions , and gender identities . We fully embrace inclusivity , which can sometimes be challenging due to language barriers , for instance . Hence , communication can be complicated , but we invest in fostering differences and making our company a diverse workplace . Additionally , we make sure to consider our staff ’ s personal needs and preferences , such as for days off , in exchange for the extreme flexibility we require from them due to the nature of the aviation environment . By doing so , we aim to create an inclusive , positive , and safe workplace for all our employees ,” he ends .
Under Philip ’ s forward-thinking leadership , Aviapartner leads the way in the ground services industry by empowering clients and staff alike through data-driven partnerships and an inclusive ethos within its growing airport network . ■
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