Category: Direct Maintenance

In line maintenance, technicians work hard to keep aircraft safe and airworthy between flights. With a network of 15 stations in the largest airports across Europe and Africa, our teams handle everything from scheduled inspections to AOG urgent technical fixes, ensuring planes depart again in top condition.

As they say, in our line of business, aircraft don’t wait. Arrival and departure times are strict. The technical staff who maintain the aircraft work close together to meet tight deadlines. This creates a unique environment where technical skills and teamwork are equally important.

To understand what it takes to succeed in the line maintenance field and how Magnetic Line builds a team for tomorrow as an employer, we spoke with Amsterdam-based Ellen Koster, HR Manager at Magnetic Line. Below, she shares more details about the current market and how the company invests in its people.

Within the competitive market, skilled technicians hold the power

“The global shortage of aviation technicians is the number one topic for everybody in the line maintenance business,” Ellen explains. “To stay ahead, all employers are taking necessary measures, such as raising salaries, improving benefits, and stepping up their recruitment efforts. It’s a candidate-driven market, where skilled professionals have more job security and more opportunities to grow.”

Magnetic Line focuses on both attracting new talent and nurturing the people already in the team. “We invest in internal development,” Ellen says. “For mechanics, we’re working on a plan to combine practical work with achieving Part-66 modules. For experienced engineers, we offer type rating courses. In the past 3 years, our engineers have completed as many as 249 type-rating courses. 

There’s also the much-welcomed opportunity to work at other stations across our network.” This so-called “interstation relief” makes it possible for our staff to develop and grow further, connect and learn from colleagues on other stations, and dive into different cultures. Especially interstation relief in our African stations Zanzibar, Mombasa and Entebbe are very popular with our staff (not in the least because of the option to extend interstation relief with some well deserved holiday). We believe the possibilities for such an exchange will only grow in the future; last year alone, there were only around 30 employees supporting their colleagues at other stations. From short relief of a couple of days to longer relief of up to three weeks.

What does the company look for in an employee?

What does it take to be a great line maintenance technician? According to Ellen, it goes beyond technical skills. “Of course, people with technical expertise and practical experience are needed. But personality and passion matter equally so. Our business is divided into geographically separated stations that are more like individual teams. These teams work closely together, communication and cooperation are crucial. Skills can be learned, but your attitude and character are what make you a good fit with the Magnetic Line team and our company culture. There are so many options to develop yourself within the company. For instance, our current Amsterdam Station Maintenance Manager originally joined us as an intern more than 10 years ago. We are also very proud of our (for now, the only one) female Lead Engineer for Mombasa and Zanzibar, who joined in the role of mechanic. We always look for the potential in our employees and how we can develop this further.”

“Looking at the skills needed in the future, digital tools for maintenance logs and logistics are becoming more common,” Ellen notes. “We’re seeing constant innovations, so technicians need to stay tech-savvy and committed to learning”.

Why come work for us?

As part of Magnetic Line, our employees benefit from belonging to a larger organization while maintaining the personal touch of a smaller independent line maintenance business, “We prioritize work-life balance, competitive compensation, and career growth,” Ellen says. “It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about feeling valued and supported with having the freedom to make decisions.”

Next to the stations in our network, we have a very supportive head office in Amsterdam, constantly cooperating with the busy stations. The head office team plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and providing administrative, operational, and technical support to our stations.

The company recruitment process is designed to be as simple and human-centered as possible. “We’ve automated a lot of the administrative work so we can focus on what really matters – our people. If someone needs a tailored solution because of their personal circumstances, we work to make that happen.”

Thinking of Applying? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’d like to work in small, forward-thinking professional teams where you have both freedom and responsibility, Magnetic Line might be for you. For those who are considering a career with Magnetic Line, Ellen’s advice is simple: “Check out our open positions and send in your application. We’re looking for people who want to be part of a team, thrive in a dynamic environment, and aren’t afraid to take responsibility. We’d love to have you on board if that sounds like you.”

Magnetic Line, a leading line maintenance provider and part of Magnetic Group, announces a partnership, from January 2025, with Norse Atlantic Airways, a Norway-originated, long-haul airline at Berlin (BER) station. This is the first station where Magnetic Line will support Norse Atlantic Airways’ operations, encompassing full technical handling for their B787 fleet.

“Magnetic Line is proud to support and partner up with Norse Atlantic Airways, which will receive full technical support at our BER station. Combining our technical competence and dedicated team, our focus is set on providing line maintenance services of the highest standards, prioritizing safety and reliability,” shares Steven Williams, Managing Director of Magnetic Line.

Established in 2021, Norse Atlantic Airways operates a fleet of B787-9s and serves long-haul flights from several European airports. 

Original source: Magnetic Group

As we taxi into the first months of 2025, let’s reflect on how 2024 went for Magnetic Line. 

Growing Stronger Together

• We supported nearly 30,000 flights across all our line maintenance stations in Europe and Africa.
• Serviced an average of 82 flights daily, marking a significant increase from last year.
• Achieved 14% revenue growth compared to 2023.

 Key Milestones in 2024

• Transition of Steven Williams to the role of Managing Director.
• Partnered with multiple new customers across major airports.
• Started implementing MRO Pro software, to increase operational efficiency.

Investing in Our People
The global shortage of qualified aircraft engineers remains one of the biggest challenges in the industry. In 2024, our team had 19 interns, nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals. Looking ahead, our efforts to attract and retain talent include the introduction of updated competitive Compensation & Benefits packages.

A Word from Steven Williams: “Like most companies in the field, one industry-wide challenge has continued to affect us: the general shortage of aircraft engineers. As a line maintenance provider, our people are our most valuable assets. For this reason, we have made substantial investments in their training and development. Thank you to our incredible team, valued customers, and trusted partners for making 2024 a success.”

Original source: Magnetic Group

Magnetic Line, a leading line maintenance provider and a sub-brand of the global aviation company Magnetic Group, announces the appointment of Steven Williams as Managing Director effective November 2024. This strategic leadership transition highlights Magnetic Line’s commitment to operational performance and enhances its position as a trusted partner for airlines worldwide. 

With over 34 years in business management and 6 years in the Royal Air Force, working in various roles with European airlines and MROs, including Magnetic Line, Steven Williams brings a wealth of operational expertise and a people-focused approach to his new position. Together with the team, the focus remains set on being the go-to provider for current and prospective customers while unifying all 15 stations based in Europe and Africa.

“I have ambitious plans for my new role, and I have been gradually preparing for it. It will allow me to be present with the team and take part in daily operations, all so we can improve the process from the inside out and keep up with the latest market demands,” commented Steven Williams, Managing Director of Magnetic Line.

This strategic move is part of a broader leadership plan to ensure Magnetic Line remains customer-centric and innovation-driven in today’s competitive market. Complementing this transition, Erik Stegeman, another experienced aviation professional, steps into the role of Director of Operations, further strengthening the management team.

Magnetic Group acquired Magnetic Line (also known as former Direct Maintenance), back in 2019. Jan Kotka, COO of Magnetic Group, commented on the company’s evolution and management change: 

“This transition resulted in Steven and Erik forming a high-performing front at Magnetic Line. Since 2023, their efforts have effectively guided and scaled the line maintenance business, which is also a crucial component of the global Magnetic Group strategy. ”

Original source: Magnetic Group

Magnetic Line, a global provider of line maintenance services, has started digitizing its processes with MRO-PRO software, starting from Amsterdam station and setting the stage for a full rollout across its global network of 15 stations. This move shows Magnetic Line’s dedication to using technology-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer service for some of the world’s top airlines. 

This new partnership marks an important step forward in digital transformation within the aviation maintenance sector. MRO-PRO for Line Maintenance companies offers a cloud-based multi-platform MRO software to digitize workflow and manage operations. In addition to enhancing scheduling efficiency, the software’s automation features improve administrative processes, significantly reducing manual tasks and improving billing accuracy.   

The MRO-PRO platform comes with a comprehensive set of tools, among which are other features, such as line maintenance event scheduling, with live flight radar integration, ensuring real-time updates for engineers on the go, and equipping them with the latest flight information to manage tasks precisely and effectively.  

Steven Williams, Managing Director of Magnetic Line, shared enthusiasm for this technological advancement: “At Magnetic Line, we recognize the power of technological innovation to be a step ahead in the industry. Adopting MRO-PRO software allows us to support our engineers with the tools they need to provide unparalleled service, more clarity, and transparency to our customers regarding the services performed.”

“At MRO-PRO, we are excited to have Magnetic Line on board as a partner. They recognize that technology will play a fundamental part in the future. MRO-PRO software will digitize Line Maintenance processes, offering greater efficiency, accuracy, and heightened compliance with safety standards,” added Scott Wells, Managing Director of MRO-PRO. 

Magnetic Line announces new partnership with TUI, one of the world’s largest leisure, travel, and tourism companies. Beginning November 2024, Magnetic Line will deliver full technical handling for TUI’s operations at Mombasa (MBA) and Zanzibar (ZNZ) stations. This new agreement will see Magnetic Line providing comprehensive line maintenance for TUI’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. 

This collaboration marks TUI’s return to Mombasa and Zanzibar after a period of no operations in these regions. The partnership shows a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and service excellence, and Magnetic Line is thrilled to support TUI in reestablishing their presence in these locations. 

“We are delighted to partner with TUI as they resume operations in Mombasa and Zanzibar,” says Steven Williams of Magnetic Line. “With our technical expertise and dedicated team, we’re committed to providing TUI with maintenance services that ensure their passengers enjoy the highest standards of air travel safety and reliability.” 

“TUI’s outsourced Line Maintenance team is excited to announce the renewal of our cooperation with Magnetic Line for both scheduled and unscheduled line maintenance. This partnership underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability for our B787 fleet,” said Pieter De Laet, Line Maintenance Contracts Manager at TUI.  

With a dedicated team on the ground, Magnetic Line is ready to uphold TUI’s commitment to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for their travelers. 

In our “Meet the Team” series, we’re shining the spotlight on skilled professionals behind Magnetic Line. Today, we introduce Conor Kelly from our Dublin station. Conor’s journey in aviation began in 2011 and has since seen him grow from a young engineer to a key member of our DUB team, being recently promoted to a Lead Engineer role. Let’s dive into his story. 

Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation? 

Conor: I first started in aviation back in 2011 when I began my degree in Aircraft Systems at IT Carlow. Funny enough, aviation wasn’t always my first interest. I was actually much more into cars growing up. I had always been drawn to engineering, but I was advised to steer away from cars as a career since it might make me lose my passion for them. So, I decided to explore other forms of engineering.  

As I progressed through my studies, I gradually developed an interest in aviation. In 2015, I began a traineeship with Ryanair in Dublin, which turned out to be a great introduction to aircraft maintenance. I learned a lot, especially on the 737, and gained valuable experience from the experienced engineers working there. That’s when I started to see a future for myself in aviation. 

How did you start working at Magnetic Line? 

Conor: When I was doing my 737 type course in 2019, I was in contact with some former colleagues from Ryanair who had joined Magnetic Line (then Direct Maintenance). They put in a good word for me, and I joined as a contractor in September 2019. By December, I became a permanent employee.   

Since then, I’ve sat several type courses and earned my B1.1 license. Working in a fast-paced line maintenance environment has sharpened my problem-solving skills and taught me to manage high-pressure situations. What I appreciate the most is working on such a diverse range of aircraft types, from A320s to B787s. The team here has been great too—everyone is always willing to help each other, and that makes a difference in our daily work. 

What does your work routine look like, and what do you enjoy the most? 

Conor: Our busiest time in Dublin is early morning, with several long-haul flights arriving around 6am. We start our shift before the planes land, preparing for any defects or troubleshooting that might be required. Every day, one of us starts at 4am to handle a cargo flight before the passenger aircraft arrive.  Once the aircraft is parked on stand, we communicate with the flight crew on the headset and perform a walkaround check to look for any damage or issues. After addressing any defects and ensuring the aircraft is safe, we certify the tech log, and then the aircraft is good to continue its journey.  

One of the highlights of my work is troubleshooting AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations. Solving those issues and getting the aircraft back in the air is very rewarding. The main challenge in the line maintenance business is time pressure. Aircraft grounded for maintenance cost airlines a lot of money, so the pace can get high. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and make sure every task is completed thoroughly to ensure the aircraft is safe to fly. 

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in aviation? 

Conor: I’d say go for it, especially if you enjoy hands-on work. The demand for aircraft engineers and mechanics is growing, and now is a great time to join the industry. Whether you prefer working outside in line maintenance or in a base maintenance hangar, there are a lot of opportunities for a career in this field. 

Aviation has its ups and downs, as we saw during the pandemic, but the industry has bounced back. The aviation community is small but global, so you’ll have the chance to work in different countries and meet people from all over the world. 

Besides work, what are your hobbies? 

Conor: My hobbies tend to be expensive—I love restoring old cars, which has become a costly passion with all the parts and tools I need. I recently bought a house, so DIY has become another hobby, although more out of necessity. I also enjoy playing guitar, and I’m trying to get back into it after neglecting it for a few years. And, thanks to my wife, traveling has become one of my newer hobbies, whether I like it or not. 

What’s something surprising about you that many people might not know? 

Conor: One thing most people don’t know is that I enjoy going fishing for Dungeness crab during the summer. My wife is originally from the east coast of Washington state in the U.S., so when we visit her family, I look forward to spending time fishing for crab. It’s one of the highlights of our trips. 

Conor’s journey from automotive interests to aircraft engineering shows how career paths can evolve in unexpected ways. We’re glad to have Conor as a part of our Dublin team.

Whether you’re an engineer, training specialist, or maintenance planner, each and every career path in aviation starts somewhere. The chances are high that the first role is an internship relevant to your chosen field. As it can be a little tricky to navigate the job-hunting landscape when you’re just starting off, Magnetic Line’s interns share their stories on career pursuits as young professionals.

Meet Bart Eimers, an Amsterdam-based mechanic, former intern:

Could you introduce yourself and your background?

Bart: I’m Bart, and I’m 21 years old. I live in Hoofddorp. For the last four years, I have been studying to become an aircraft technician. In my free time, I love sailing or working on cars with my friends. I started sailing on classic Dutch sailing ships from a very young age. During the last few years, I have also competed in some competitions. We even won the Dutch championship! If we were not competing, we were sailing for leisure, it’s always nice to have a relaxing weekend on the water. Hearing the water hit the hull is such an amazing and peaceful sound—a great way to un-destress after a long week at work.     

How did you come to join Magnetic Line?

Bart: I joined Magnetic Line as an intern because I really wanted to get work experience in line maintenance. And I have never had any regrets about joining Magnetic. Before I joined Magnetic, the only plane I had seen up close was the 737-200 at school. But getting to see the beautiful B777 and A380 up close was a real eye-opener. 

From the first day, I have been learning new things. I was quite surprised about how different every day was. One day, all the planes were in tip-top condition. The next day, you crawl into an engine to ensure everything is safe for flight. The following day, you are seeing a plane being jacked up to inspect the nose gear. No day is ever the same. I feel very fortunate to be able to work around the most amazing machines on the planet with the most amazing team.

As for the future,  I plan to keep learning new things and meet more amazing people at Magnetic Line, eventually having enough knowledge to become an engineer myself.

Meet Elias Benewitz, a working student based in Berlin:

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

Elias: I live right outside the city of Berlin, which I immensely enjoy. It’s much less busy, and the city is right around the corner. I always knew I wanted to get into aviation, so after high school, I joined an aviation engineering program at a technical university, where I am about to graduate. During after-work hours, I like traveling and working out in the gym. Still, the most significant part of my life outside of university and work is being a volunteer firefighter in my city. It’s interesting work, and you’re helping people. 

What was your start like with Magnetic Line, and where are you headed career-wise?

Elias: For my university degree, I had to do a mandatory internship for three months. As I previously had the opportunity to learn more about aircraft maintenance a few years back, I knew that’s where I wanted to end up again. Magnetic Line, then Direct Maintenance, was one of the biggest maintenance providers here at Berlin Airport. So, I sent my application and, luckily, was accepted to start in September 2022. I had a warm welcome from the entire team and quickly began to enjoy working on the aircraft. 

As my internship was about to end, I talked with the Station Manager, who, just like me, was interested in extending my work for the company. Thus, I continued working here as a working student while finishing my degree. In terms of the future, I hope to finish my studies by the fall of this year and have no intention of leaving the company afterward. Together with my station manager, I am planning my journey to become a licensed aircraft engineer. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and hopefully obtaining a B1 license in the future. 

What have been the most exciting things you’ve witnessed or learned during your internship?

Elias: When I started out here, I always looked forward to learning more about all the different aircraft types the Berlin station serves since I was closer to them than I had ever been before. Handling AOGs was especially interesting because you get to work on systems you usually don’t. 

Over my nearly 2 years with the company, I’ve had the privilege of participating in interstation relief trips to other stations in the network. These experiences, beyond the excitement of exploring new places, have been invaluable in broadening my perspective and understanding of our company’s operations. 

Meet Solomon Mwakio, an intern in Kenya

How did your career in aviation start? 

Solomon: I’m Solomon Mwakio, a resident of Embakasi Nairobi, Kenya; studied for a diploma in aeronautical engineering airframes and engines option at the East African School of Aviation. I graduated in December 2023 and started pursuing my internship in April 2024.

As far as I can remember, I have been passionate about aviation. Planes have captivated me since childhood. I have consistently admired and always wished to work on them, so immediately after finishing high school, I didn’t need to think twice about doing aeronautical engineering. In my spare time, I play football, tennis, and gaming simulations based on aviation.

As for Magnetic Group, at first, I didn’t know about it, but a friend of mine working at the airport suggested the idea of joining the company. So, a quick research about the company via the internet allowed me to know more about the company. I applied and, luckily, was chosen for the internship program in the Nairobi base.

What’s your favorite part about the internship?

Solomon: The internship program has definitely been a blessing for me; working on the B777, “my favorite aircraft,” and B747, “Queen of the skies,” always puts a smile on my face. Also, having a chance to work with the very supportive staff who are willing to help in various situations makes my learning process very exciting. I have learned a lot from the various types of aircraft we handle; this really makes me happy and further fuels my enthusiasm for aviation.

Solving day-to-day challenges with the help of staff while working on the aircraft gives you a satisfying feeling. I always look forward to solving the next challenge, further making the learning process exciting.

Looking at the future, progression to be one of the best aircraft engineers is all I am aiming for, and working with a company that is so supportive will allow gratification of not only personal goals but the esteemed success of the company to a greater degree.

Let’s get to know the remarkable personalities who are the face of Magnetic Line. We’re thrilled to introduce Jurson Petronielia from Magnetic Line Amsterdam station. Jurson has taken many steps in the company – from starting as an intern, growing to an engineer role, and recently starting as the Station Maintenance Manager.

From wanting to become a pilot since his youth in the Caribbean, to falling in love with engineering and determination to join the company – let’s get to know Jurson.

Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation?

I’m from Curaçao, an island in the Caribbean. With each vacation and family visit to the neighboring islands, we had to take a flight. I was fascinated by aircraft – how is it possible for such a big heavy object to fly? So, from early on, I dreamt of becoming a Pilot.

When I was 16, I went to a career fair for students and shared my desire to become a pilot. There, I was introduced to the possibility of getting an education in Aviation engineering school in Amsterdam. The terms of the program were great, so I was sold on the idea immediately. The most difficult part was convincing my parents to let a 16-year-old move to the Netherlands alone. At first, they said no, but I slowly convinced them that this was my dream – they finally approved.

Then, finally attending this aviation engineering school in the Netherlands, I fell in love with Engineering. My aviation dream slowly started to change from being a pilot to becoming a licensed Aircraft Engineer.

How did you start working at Magnetic Line?

Quite a funny story – I first applied for an internship at Magnetic Line (formerly Direct Maintenance) in February 2011. The interview went well, and I was granted the internship. Then I was asked for a copy of my driver’s license – which I did not have – but turned out to be mandatory to do the internship. Thus, I could not continue.

I was truly disappointed, so, guess what I did? I started driving lessons immediately. When I finally got my license, I called Direct Maintenance back. The former manager was so impressed by my determination and granted me the internship even after all the positions were filled.

Thus, my path in Direct Maintenance/Magnetic Line started in 2011. Since the beginning of 2024, I’ve been tackling a new role, being the Station Maintenance Manager in AMS. It’s been great to grow with the company. The biggest impact the journey has had on me is knowing that sometimes things will not go exactly as planned, but the final result will be the same.

What are the main tasks in your line of work?

With my new role in the company, I’m now in the learning & discovering phase. As Station Maintenance Manager I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects of aircraft maintenance at AMS station – ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency while managing a team of Engineers and Mechanics. One of my goals is to implement solutions to improve maintenance processes and enhance operational efficiency without compromising safety or quality.

The biggest challenge in this line of work is of course the turnaround time between the aircraft landing and taking off again. Line maintenance work is carried out on a tight schedule, so you must be very sharp and concise throughout the whole process.

What does the daily work routine in AMS station look like?

Here’s a line maintenance check overview from the Engineer’s perspective. The day starts with an early alarm clock. Once in the office, the status report of the arriving aircraft is checked. By this, one can start preparing for possible troubleshooting. Once the aircraft is on final approach, you grab a headset and head out to the gate to meet it.

At the gate, an FOD inspection is performed, and when the aircraft arrives, you greet the crew and get the status report. Then the Pre-flight or Transit checks with a walk-around inspection are done. Once the external status is checked, you enter the aircraft to meet the crew and proceed with the internal status check of the aircraft.

After completing a thorough inspection, the outgoing flight crew is briefed about the status of the aircraft. After refueling, the Aircraft Technical Log is filled and you wait for the Captain to accept and take over the aircraft. Once accepted, and the Aircraft Technical Log signed, you head downstairs to complete the final checks.

When the aircraft is ready to depart, pushback is performed. One of the most enjoyable moments of the day is the moment after the aircraft pushback – seeing the aircraft slowly start to taxi on time or even ahead of schedule. At rewarding moments like this, the unpleasant early alarm clock is completely forgotten.

Besides your work, what are your hobbies?

I enjoy many kinds of sports. I think I’m quite an athletic person – I play baseball and golf but have played many different sports in my life. When the weather doesn’t allow me to do sport outside, you will find me in the cinema or you can catch me watching the best football club in the world – Real Madrid.

As a final question, what might be something surprising about you that many people do not know?

This is a difficult one. I think most people don’t know that I like to cook and that I like to listen to Latin music, like Salsa Bachata. And when the rhythm hits me, I might get on the dance floor, too.  And by now I think most people know I like Carnival too.

Let’s get to know the people behind Magnetic Line. Erik Stegeman recently joined Magnetic Line as an Operational Project Manager – and he shared a few insights about his experience as well as the role at the company.

Tell us about your background and how you came to join Magnetic Line?
I am a trained aeronautical engineer and started my professional career with the Royal Dutch Airforce. My first civil assignment was in 1989 in Frankfurt. From there, I have been through the industry and via several countries. In 1995 I started my own companies, Sky Aircraft Maintenance, Sky Special Products, and Sky Logistics, with at its peak 32 employees employed. Since 2005 however, I have taken on several managerial positions with Airlines and MROs. From several Maintenance manager, CAMO Manager, and Technical Director positions, it finally brought me to Magnetic Line.

What is your role and how do you see it developing in Magnetic Line?

In this role, my main objective is to support, improve, and guide all the stations when it comes to finding common synergies, manpower optimization, improvement of efficiency and profitability. This position gives me the time to get to know the company and start implementing improvements at an early stage.

What parts of working in the aviation and line maintenance industry do you find most rewarding?
Aviation is very dynamic, and diverse and involves a lot of different people and cultures. It is also a very regulated industry that has its challenges. The most rewarding, I find, is when we achieve a common success with different people from different origins. It’s highly rewarding for me to see the faces of youngsters when you make them aware of the ways that lead to success.

Welcome to the team!

Magnetic Line is thrilled to announce that it is expanding its partnership with China Southern Airlines to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Building on the successful collaboration in Nairobi (NBO) and Frankfurt (FRA), we are glad to extend our support further.  

The partnership entails comprehensive servicing for Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft, including both passenger and freight variants. With over 100 flights per month, Magnetic Line’s expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational efficiency of China Southern’s fleet at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.  

Steven Williams, the Director of Operations at Magnetic Line, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “We are very pleased to continue working with China Southern Airlines in Amsterdam. This expansion shows our commitment to providing exceptional maintenance services and reinforces our strong partnership with China Southern.”  

This collaboration marks a significant milestone. Magnetic Line is already the primary line maintenance provider for China Southern Airlines in Europe. As an important intercontinental operator in Schiphol Airport, China Southern Airlines is looking forward to exploring in-depth cooperation with Magnetic Line in other destinations worldwide.

Given the fast-paced and people-centric nature of the aviation industry, investing in your employees and building leadership skills is no longer optional but a prerequisite to a company’s success. Employing this mindset, Magnetic Group recently hosted the closing event of its dedicated leadership program: Learning2Lead. 

In spring 2023, 12 employees from the whole Group were selected after the application and assessment process for the first-ever Group-wide leadership development program. Three of the participants were selected from Magnetic Line. During a year-long course, the participants took part in miscellaneous internal and external training sessions, encompassing competencies from project management to finance.

The final session and celebration took place in Hamburg, Germany, where all graduates had the opportunity to visit the Airbus factory and ZAL Innovation Center and got to see the process behind OEM and R&T. The Chief Human Resource Officer at Magnetic Group, Ene Krinpus, emphasized: “At Magnetic, our people are our greatest asset. Investing in an internal development program is not just a strategic move but a testament to our commitment to nurturing and empowering the future generation of our company leaders.” 

One of the graduates – Sven Schmitz, Lead Engineer at Magnetic Line Düsseldorf station, shared his thoughts about the course: “The Learning2Lead program has been an exciting year with several challenges and learning moments. It has been a pleasure to be chosen for the first round of this program and connect with our Magnetic Group colleagues.”

Looking ahead, we are already preparing for the next phase of our leadership development program, set for 2024-2025. This time, participants will continue to explore the fundamentals of leadership and will also have access to new modules specifically designed to cultivate aviation business. We are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for our aspiring leaders.

Original source: Magnetic Group

Meet Steven, the Director of Operations at Magnetic Line. Constantly on the move between Magnetic Line stations, Steven can be described as a real people person. Steven’s role isn’t just about managing the stations’ operations; it’s about fostering relationships and building trust among his diverse teams, scattered across the globe.

What brought him to aviation, what does he enjoy most about his work and what are some surprising facts about him? It’s a pleasure to bring Steven into the spotlight in this article!

Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation?

Aviation and I crossed paths quite early on. Having been interested in aviation since my youth, I joined the Air Traning Corps when I was a thirteen-year-old boy, in North Wales. It’s like the Boy Scouts but with a focus on aviation. Later, when I was seventeen, I joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft electrical technician. Aviation pulls you in, I’ve been in the industry since then.

How did you come to join Magnetic Line?

This is my second time around with Magnetic Line. During my first term with the company, from August 2019 to January 2022, I supported the management team during the pandemic as well as setting up the UPS operation in CGN and the opening of various stations in Germany.

I rejoined Magnetic Line in October 2023, this time in the position of Director of Operations.  

Tell the readers about your role in the company – what are the most rewarding aspects of the role?

In my position as Director of Operations, I am responsible for the day-to-day management of the Operations department. This is not something I do on my own, I have a great team of colleagues who support me. We operate 14 line stations in East Africa and Europe, with the stations being located quite far from each other. I’ve been fortunate to visit almost half of the stations over the last 5 months. I’m looking forward to visiting the other stations soon. Luckily, I enjoy traveling.

The most rewarding aspect of this role is the interaction with our colleagues at the various stations throughout the network, helping to build a stable future for everyone. I enjoy working and communicating with my team members, whether it’s with an Engineer I have known for 25 years, or with a mechanic I’ve just met. Getting to know each other is the best way to build trust. And trust is the basis for working together.

Given the dynamic nature of the aviation sector, what trends or developments do you anticipate in the coming 5 to 10 years?

A very interesting question. As mentioned, the aviation sector is very dynamic, we are always evaluating the market and amending our strategy accordingly. I think it is fair to say that the current global shortage of qualified engineers is a trend that will continue to affect us for the foreseeable future.

The replacement of older aircraft with newer, more efficient aircraft types, such as the A350 & Boeing 787 will continue, although some operators will still operate the older aircraft such as the Boeing 747, 767 & 757. The lack of new aircraft on the market is also delaying this process.

We will continue to train our staff on new aircraft types, and we will continue supporting the older aircraft types. As a maintenance provider, we must adapt to meet each airline’s needs.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in aviation?

The aviation industry is a fantastic place to work in, but it is also addictive. Once you have experienced working in aviation, it’s difficult to go back to a “normal” job. I cannot imagine doing anything else.

There are several ways of describing the aviation industry: exciting, growing, passion-driven… Everyone has their own way of explaining why they enjoy working in this industry, and what is special to them. Anyone joining the industry should look forward to finding out what makes it special for them. One thing is certain – accept the fact that you will have a lifetime of learning ahead of you and be willing to adapt to change.

What are your top destinations to travel to?

Florida and Palma de Mallorca. Sorry to say it’s not for the food, culture, or wonderful buildings, but it’s rather because I very much enjoy playing golf at these places. Although, red wine is also a good reason behind visiting Palma de Mallorca.

As a final question, what is something surprising about you that many people do not know?

Originally from Great Britain, I’ve been living in Germany for 40 years. Also, I truly enjoy traveling in my “cabin” – I have a pick-up truck with a cabin on the flatbed behind it. For me, it’s a way of traveling to places that are more remote and not full of tourists.

We invite you to meet Amos Michael, a mechanical engineer at Magnetic Line, based in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Amos shares his insights about the aviation journey and his recent experience, training in Tallinn, Estonia – which also turned into his top destination.

Let’s start from the beginning – how did you get into aviation?

I think my path was clear from the start – since childhood, I have been fascinated by planes! Every time when we had state officials visit, we as kids in our community were allowed to get close to the plane and greet the officials coming to the region. It always felt like a celebration. Also, as in the local airport there were not that many big planes landing, seeing jet engines up close was mesmerizing. 

And so as far as I remember, I admired airplanes and wanted to work on them one day.

And how did you start working at Magnetic Line?

Just after completing my aeronautical studies at the college in 2017, I started working as an apprentice at the Magnetic Line station based in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. And I’ve been with the company ever since.

What are the main tasks in your line of work?

If I have to sum up my work, I would say that I, as an aircraft line maintenance mechanic working alongside the supervisor on duty, have to ensure that the aircraft is always fit and safe – serviceable – to make the next flight. 

That moment when everything is ready and the aircraft is about to be pushed back towards the taxi-way – as well as when it heads to the runway for a takeoff – are my favorite as you know you were part of its journey.

How would you describe your recent training experience at Magnetic MRO in Tallinn, Estonia?

It was on-the-job training for the Airbus A320 CEO – a three-month-long program at Magnetic MRO hangar in Tallinn. It was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From being greeted by amiable and experienced staff to having the opportunity to discuss the company’s plans with top management, the time I’ve spent in Tallinn exceeded my expectations! 

From now on, I even rank Tallinn as one of the top destinations to travel to. Primarily because now I associate it with vast new experiences working on planes inside-out – keep on gaining new skills are very important for aircraft mechanics and I value it a lot. Also, people were very friendly – and that makes up for the great destination to experience.

And besides your work, what are your hobbies?

Besides my passion for airplanes, I enjoy music and singing quite a bit. Also, I like staying active and enjoy doing some sports. Since my childhood, I was into athletics, and this fascination with this sport continues to this day just as my passion for aviation. 

2024 has started with a significant new partnership between Magnetic Line and Singapore Airlines in Frankfurt. 

Magnetic Line is proud to announce that as of January 2024, the cooperation between Magnetic Line and Singapore Airlines in Frankfurt Airport will start. Singapore Airlines is a name synonymous with excellence in aviation. They operate multiple flights per day to Frankfurt, using a fleet that includes the A350, A380, and B777 Aircraft.  

“This cooperation agreement is a milestone that highlights our commitment and the trust our partners place in us. We have always thrived on building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service, and our recent agreement with Singapore Airlines reflects just that,” commented Mandeep Rana, Magnetic Line Head of Sales.