Aldo Salzillo, Swissport Executive Aviation’s FBO director discusses the most significant trend currently affecting the sector and his proudest achievement.
What was your career path to your current role?
I started my career at Swissport Executive in May 2003 as the company’s first employee. I had the chance to develop and build its foundations. In 2005, I took over the management of the company which allowed me to develop and expand my team to offer the highest level of service to our customers.
Can you tell me more about Swissport Executive Aviation?
Swissport Executive Aviation is a leading ground service provider for business aviation customers across the globe providing premium ground handling expertise for VIP passengers, crews and private jets. Our network connects customers to 81 destinations in 23 countries on six continents. At our Fixed Base Operations (FBO) in Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Switzerland, Algeria and Cyprus, we offer a comprehensive range of ground handling and luxury services. Our dedicated teams of carefully selected experts and service agents are trained in hospitality services and have a profound understanding of the world of business aviation. They stand ready to provide all required services with personal care and utmost discretion. In addition, we offer a wide range of general aviation services critical to the safe and efficient operation of private and corporate aircraft. As part of its portfolio Swissport manages also 64 lounges under its hospitality brand ASPIRE Airport lounges.
What are the best and less favorable elements of your job?
Working under pressure is stimulating, but also challenging. Since we work with a highly demanding clientele, we are required to be very flexible, discreet and provide a high level of service. Our focus remains on steadily improving our quality of service, without neglecting aviation safety standards.
Can you describe a typical day?
At Swissport Executive, not a single day resembles another. The fascinating world of business aviation requires us to constantly adapt to our customers’ requirements in order to be compliant with their needs. We are particularly flexible and multitasking, and Swissport Executive Aviation’s strength is our absolute customer centricity.
Who are the main users of your services?
Geneva remains one of the main bases for business aviation in Europe with a wide range of clients. However, with the presence of the United Nations in Geneva, we provide services for a lot of government flights.
What has been the proudest achievement in your career so far?
Being able to develop Swissport Executive and contribute to its growth is a source of great satisfaction to me. To be among the best handling companies at Geneva Airport is already a great achievement and I intend to uphold.
How do you stand out from your competitors?
Swissport Executive Aviation is a leading ground service provider for business aviation customers offering a full range of pre- and post-flight services. Our extensive network throughout the world makes us a privileged partner of this unique clientele who have trusted us for many years. Our ability to respond to our clients’ requests, our responsiveness, our discretion and our expertise are particularly appreciated in the world of private clients.
What is the most significant trend currently affecting the business aviation sector?
One of the most important trends in business aviation is the increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel and electric aircraft. The aviation industry bears the responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint, as a private handler we are also committed to sustainability goals and are working to develop CO2 neutral solutions for our business aviation customers.
What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in business aviation?
Working for Swissport Executive Aviation, is an unforgettable experience that offers a wide range of development as well as career opportunities. Anyone who enjoys interacting with customers, is willing to put themselves out there and is able to find solutions makes an excellent candidate and will certainly be an outstanding employee of our company.
