Air Service Basel’s deputy FBO manager discusses why having a small team is one of the company’s biggest strengths
What was your career path to your current role?
I started working in aviation in 2017 as a ground agent for Swissport International at Basel-Mulhouse airport. In 2018, my adventure at Air Service Basel began as an FBO agent before becoming deputy FBO manager in 2023. In 2024, I also took up the role of communications and marketing manager for Air Service Basel.
What are the best and less favorable elements of your job?
Working at an airport really is a world apart from any other job and every day is different. I love it! Working in shifts is perhaps the only drawback. When I have to open the FBO at 6:00am, I need more coffee than on other days!
What has been the proudest achievement in your career so far?
The biggest event in town is the yearly Art Basel exhibition, which draws a lot of traffic. I’ve been Art Basel coordinator at the FBO for two years. It’s our busiest week of the year, so we set up an exceptional and unique installation just for that week. We welcome over 800 passengers and it’s always a real pleasure to see the excitement and frenzy that grips the whole city.
How do you stand out from your competitors?
We’re still a family-run, independent FBO. I think that’s what our customers appreciate — to see familiar faces and people who know their habits. We’re a small team of nine people and that’s our strength, everyone knows each other and our customers. Our FBO is also a long way from the frantic traffic of the main terminal, which is a guarantee of discretion for our customers.
What is the most significant trend currently affecting the business aviation sector?
Anything to do with the environment. Through our communication channels, we’re trying to make our community more aware that business aviation isn’t just about flying for pleasure, it’s much more than that. We’re also watching how sustainability topics evolve in the industry because we care for the environment and want to offer solutions at our FBO.
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in business aviation?
You must have a passion for aviation to embrace a career in the industry. You must be aware that in business aviation the travelers decide everything, and as a service provider you must be ready to adapt. You also must be generous with your time — don’t count the hours it takes to ensure every passenger’s take-off or landing is the smoothest.
What does the future hold for Air Service Basel?
Continuing to see that our regular customers are as delighted as ever with the service we offer, welcoming new home-based aircraft and organizing many new events. Basel is well placed to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025. This is just one of the many events we will be hosting in the near future, and we are ready to offer you the best possible service when you arrive in Basel.
