Time Flies: The Behind-the-Scenes Operation, Then and Now

Max started as an intern at the OCC in 2024 and now works as a Handling Controller. Together with his colleagues, he ensures that everything runs smoothly on the ground: from handling to cleaning and catering. "Every day feels a bit like a dream," he says. "I've been a Transavia fan since I was little."  

Max works in a dynamic environment where proactive action is the norm. "We always try to think one step ahead, so our passengers have the most pleasant journey possible from A to B."  

47 years of experience  

Adri joined Transavia in 1978, first in administration, then as a Platform Supervisor, and around 1990 in the Operations department. As Operations Controller, he's responsible for mapping out the most efficient routes from A to B every day.

Together with his colleagues, he monitors the entire fleet: every aircraft, every movement. "The goal? To prevent disruptions as quickly as possible or, if necessary, resolve them. And we do that, day and night, year-round."

From magnetic board to mouse click  

Anyone who's been around for 47 years has literally seen aviation change. Adri remembers what it was like in the early 1990s: a small room with four colleagues, where many tasks were still performed manually. "What we did manually in the 80s and 90s has been automated for years now."  

He outlines the difference: "We used to work with a large magnetic planning board full of signs showing flights and aircraft registrations. Now we solve things with a few mouse clicks and inform colleagues directly through digital systems. Back then, that took at least five phone calls." Yet, the core of the work has remained the same. "We still do what we did, just in a different way."  

Collaboration across generations  

Despite their differences in experience, collaboration between young and old is essential, according to both. Adri: "It's fun to share and pass on my knowledge and experience. But it's also the other way around; we learn from each other!" Max agrees: "The team spirit is strong. We truly do it together. We laugh a lot, learn from each other, and work with our colleagues in the operation to ensure everything runs smoothly."  

Working at the OCC  

Working at the OCC means working in a world that never stands still. Operations run day and night, year-round. That requires flexibility. Adri knows this better than anyone: "Be aware that working in aviation means living in a 24/7 world. Irregular shifts, working weekends and holidays—that's part of it. If it suits you, you'll get so much in return." According to Max, aviation seems big, but it feels like a small, close-knit world. "There's no other industry as dynamic and unique as this one."