Time flies: the technical department, from analogue to digital

Tim works as a certifying mechanic and has been fascinated by aviation and technology from a young age. "This is the perfect profession where I can combine the two," he says. He's been working in Transavia's technical department for three years. From inspections to changing tires and keeping our aircraft airworthy, every day brings him something different.

What Tim particularly enjoys is the variety. "You work in different places: in the hangar, at the airport, or sometimes abroad. Every aircraft is different. Now that the Airbus is in the fleet, new processes have been added." According to Tim, the work requires flexibility and adaptability, especially during busy periods.

From analog to digital

Koos began his career at Transavia in 1985, when he was a young mechanic working on the 737-200. "That plane was completely analog. Everything worked with gauges and dials. There was no computer," he says. The planes are now equipped with software, fly-by-wire systems, and digital displays, but according to Koos, the core of the work has remained largely the same. "You still replace parts. Only now you sometimes spend more time uploading software than actually working on it. That's what makes things different today."

Traveling the world for Transavia

While Tim's work is primarily within Europe, Koos has seen almost every continent. In his role as technical representative and project manager, he traveled the world delivering and collecting aircraft leased or hired by Transavia. "I've been to England, Israel, Egypt, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, and Russia, among other places. You could say that only Antarctica is missing as a continent."

Sometimes that led to unusual situations. "Going to Moscow really stuck with me. You quickly learn that everything works very differently there—whether you want it or not." Koos obtained a visa through an agency that registered him as a member of the Russian Olympic Committee. "No one dared to ask me any questions upon arrival. I could just walk straight through the border!"

Independence and mentality

Both Tim and Koos emphasize the importance of independence in their work. Koos summarizes it succinctly: "You're responsible for your own business. That requires more than just technical expertise: you have to be willing to take responsibility. You work in all kinds of weather conditions and in shifts. That means this job isn't for everyone. But if it suits you, it's fantastic."

Tim agrees. “There's a lot of demand for aviation engineers, and that will probably remain the case for a while. But you have to love a challenge. When you're right in the thick of it and know what to do together with your colleagues, that's when you really realize how great this work is. That's why I don't want to let go of this work anytime soon.”

According to Koos, it's a place where collaboration is key. "See something that could be improved? Then you take action. You're not just in the theater as a spectator; you're actively involved in the field." Tim also finds that there's room for initiative, and colleagues help each other when needed.

Advice to future technicians

What advice would Tim and Koos give to people considering a future in aviation? Tim says: "Aviation offers variety, occasional turbulence, and a healthy dose of technology. That's what makes it so much fun!" Koos is clear in his message: “You don't have to be able to do everything, as long as you have the right mindset. You learn the most by simply doing it. And remember: aviation isn't inherently safe; aviation is made safe.”