FIRST PERSON
Chris Pot
Is Brussels Airlines’ Ground Services Manager for Africa
Q How long have you been in the business?
A I’ve been doing this job for the last four years, two in Brussels and two in Africa – but I’ve been working in the airline industry for 20 years now. I think I’ve done everything, I was even a cabin cleaner a very long time ago!
Q What’s the job environment?
A The airport infrastructure is very variable in Africa, so in some stations the company ends up having to do everything itself. But it’s improving – in Uganda, for example, investment has meant that the infrastructure is excellent now. The whole sector is moving forward in Africa – international companies are looking to expand, and so they’re prepared to put in money. Plus tourism is on the rise, which brings in revenue.
Q And how would you define your role?
A I work on the contracts, so I have to maintain ongoing relationships with the authorities, suppliers etc. In Africa, that’s quite a challenge sometimes, especially as you can’t just say ‘I’ll take my business elsewhere’ as you would in Europe. But we also help out our local partners – training their staff up to international levels, for example.
Q Do you have any bizarre tales to tell?
A Well, there have been some strange ones. Last year in Douala, the utility vehicle used to push the aircraft backwards broke down, so the staff had to push the plane back by hand. Imagine, 24 people and the Station Manager’s SUV pushing a 120 tonne plane! Of course that was after the passengers and baggage were offloaded.
Q What does a typical day’s work entail?
A I never know what’s going to happen. Operations have to keep going 24/7, so we do whatever we have to. Sometimes I have to hop on a plane at a moment’s notice and jet off to some outstation to sort out a situation.
Q Outside of work, do you still fly?
A Yes – for my holidays I still love to travel, especially in Africa. The food is great, the people are extraordinary, and one thing that people tend to overlook is that each country in Africa offers something new, something different.