Both Skyguide and SR Technics are leading companies in the Swiss aviation industry. Skyguide employs more than 1,400 people across 14 sites. At SR Technics, the figure is 3,500 around the world. This is reason enough for students at the University of Liechtenstein to ask about company philosophy and values during their excursion.
Both Skyguide and SR Technics are leading companies in the Swiss aviation industry. Skyguide employs more than 1,400 people across 14 sites. At SR Technics, the figure is 3,500 around the world. This is reason enough for students at the University of Liechtenstein to ask about company philosophy and values during their excursion.
Focus on perfect safety
After a presentation on the roles and objectives of Skyguide AG in Wangen bei Dübendorf , students of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Business Administration were able to experience Swiss air safety live.
In an open-plan office, the air-traffic controllers worked in front of a series of monitors – separated from the visitors by a soundproof glass wall. There were loudspeakers which allowed those taking part in the excursion to follow the English dialogues between the air-traffic controllers and the pilots. The transfer of the individual aircraft from one flight sector to another was particularly interesting.
The working hours also show how stressful life as an air-traffic controller can be. At Skyguide, they are never allowed to sit in front of a monitor for more than two hours at a time. In busy times, they switch over every 20 minutes. In a real crisis situation, the aim is: “Clear the sky”. In this case, air traffic is not controlled from a secure centre of operations; instead, all aircraft are given instructions to perform an emergency landing at the nearest airport. In a serious case, only the military are allowed to fly.
A passion for aircraft maintenance and repairs
The next stop was SR Technics in Kloten. SR Technics AG is one of the world’s largest aircraft maintenance and repair companies which is not linked to an airline. The former subsidiary of the SAirGroup was sold to a consortium from the United Arab Emirates in 2006. Ninety-two per cent of the shares are now held by members of the ruling families in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Firstly, all the students on the excursion had to pass a security check. Then, guides demonstrated how the power units and engines work. They were also able to clear up the question as to how to change the tyres on an aircraft. But the real highlight was the massive maintenance halls with aircraft surrounded by scaffolding.
There are about 100 people working on meeting all the maintenance requirements. On average, aircraft spend about one month in the hall. This is a real logistical achievement considering that there cannot even be a single screw missing when they leave.
Integration as part of company philosophy
The 13 students taking part in the excursion were given an impressive demonstration of how complex the logistical processes behind aircraft maintenance and air safety are. It was also interesting to see how employees from different cultural backgrounds are integrated and work towards guaranteeing passenger safety.