Navigating Challenges in Airfield Maintenance

Professional Background

I am currently the Head of Airfield Maintenance at Finavia for Helsinki Airport, where I oversee the overall management of the Airfield Maintenance department. My responsibilities encompass resource planning, budgeting, safety management, fleet and workshop operations, airfield operations, and infrastructure repairs and maintenance.

During the winter season, our team consists of about 140 employees, with 80 of them being seasonal workers, making human resource management a significant aspect of my role. I have been in this position for nearly seven years, and before this, I worked in operations and maintenance related to baggage handling systems and logistics.

Significant Challenges in Airfield Maintenance Operations

One of the biggest challenges we face is climate change. During winter at Helsinki Airport, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, ranging from +10°C to -30°C. The most difficult times for airfield maintenance occur when temperatures hover around the freezing point. Last winter, we dealt with these conditions for a total of 74 days. Unfortunately, climate change is likely to exacerbate this phenomenon.

This struggle with harsh winter conditions is a key reason why the Finnish "snowhow" is so renowned. Navigating these challenges has made us at Finavia exceptionally skilled at what we do. I take great pride in the professionalism of our employees, which is the cornerstone of our expertise. Additionally, we rely on purpose-built machinery, effective strategies, and strong cooperation within the airport to support our operations.

Prioritizing Maintenance Tasks during High-Demand Operational Periods

Runway safety and smooth operations are always our top priorities. During winter, runway usage is influenced by varying wind directions, potential crosswinds, and changing ground conditions.

 At Helsinki Airport, we strive to maintain optimal runway conditions to keep two runways operational, even amid the harsh winter weather we experience in Finland.

To ensure this, we work closely with Air Traffic Control, developing a shared snow clearance plan for the runways and taxiways that is prepared up to 75 minutes in advance. In airfield maintenance, our priorities are determined by the current conditions. In the event of disturbances, such as breakdowns of heavy snow removal machinery like sweepers and snow blowers, we prioritize the equipment most critical for runway maintenance over other vehicles in our workshop.

We also maintain real-time communication among our runway sweeper team, apron sweeper team, and workshop management to share vital information across the different operational units. This collaborative approach helps us respond quickly and effectively to any challenges that arise.

Incident Investigation and Reporting Protocols

Safety is our number one priority. We have fostered a robust culture of incident reporting across our airports. At Helsinki Airport, we have established a runway safety committee that reviews past incidents to collaboratively build a safer future. This proactive approach helps us learn from previous experiences and strengthens our commitment to maintaining a safe operational environment.

“Safety is our number one priority. We have fostered a robust culture of incident reporting across our airports”

Emerging Trends in Airfield Maintenance

It’s essential to consider the environmental impact of airfield maintenance at an airport. We are currently participating in an EU-funded project that involves converting one of our sweepers at Helsinki Airport from an internal combustion engine to a hydrogen power plant. This initiative aims to study how this technology performs in the unique airport environment and under Finnish winter conditions.

Additionally, we are closely monitoring developments in autonomous sweeping technology. At Helsinki Airport, we have already begun equipping some of our snow-clearing machines with a driver assistance system. This technology is designed to assist drivers in cases of fatigue and to support newer team members in learning the established routes for snow clearance. By adopting these innovations, we aim to enhance both efficiency and safety in our operations while reducing our environmental footprint.

Advice for Starting a Career in Airfield Maintenance

When hiring new employees for airfield maintenance, we prioritize candidates with experience working with heavy machinery, including those with backgrounds in driving, mechanics, or engineering. Typically, our hires come from fields such as infrastructure construction, asphalt work, or farming.

However, beyond technical skills, we value an open mindset and a willingness to learn. It's essential that our employees treat their colleagues with respect, take initiative, and maintain a strong work ethic. These qualities are crucial for success in our dynamic