"I like the thrill of stressful situations"

Ever wondered what it would be like to serve in our Passenger Care Center, how things work in Network Operations Control or what our cabin crew members find the biggest challenges in their daily duties aloft? Or have you ever wanted to get a glimpse behind the scenes at SWISS Technics, or an idea of all the responsibilities that our Legal people bear? Our ‘High Five’ series offers fascinating insights into the many and varied personalities who are behind our company. In each feature we ask our interviewee five questions that provide an intriguing look into their particular working day.

In this High Five edition, Kai Driessen from Crew Control takes our questions and talks about his highlights and challenges in his daily working life.

Kai, how long have you been with SWISS and where do you work?

I have been with SWISS since 2016 and in Crew Control for a year. I started with an internship in IT and was still working part-time, then switched to flying in 2019. I flew for three years and really liked it. Then last November I found the job in Crew Control. I really enjoy the position and have settled in well. I continue to fly 20 percent on the side, so I get to experience both sides. That made it easier for me to get started.

My daily work is very varied. We work up to eight shifts a day, which are divided into daily ops and maintenance/support. Daily Ops deals with everything that concerns current flight operations and has an impact within the next 1-2 hours. Maintenance deals with anything that takes longer. In my work, for example, I look to see if there are flight delays, if a crewmember has logged off, or if an aircraft can't be put into service due to damage. Right now, it is rather quiet, but there is more going on in the summer. I like the thrill of stressful situations, when we find creative solutions and crews have to reschedule spontaneously.

Kai with working colleague at the Crew Control Office.
"My daily work is very varied. We work up to eight shifts a day, which are divided into daily ops and maintenance/support."

What qualities do you need for your job in crew control?
You should be able to keep a clear head in stressful situations. For example, when reserves are tight and things don't go according to plan. You should stay calm under pressure and do your work step by step. It is also important to find the best solution for yourself and then justify it. But you can always ask for the opinion of your colleagues.

"When a solution can be found to a dicey situation, it's a great feeling."

Kai Driessen
Crew Control

What is the best thing about your job?
I like it when there is a lot going on. Then three hours are quickly over and when a solution can be found to a tricky situation, that's a great feeling. I enjoy the interaction with the pilots and flight attendants. We can also sweeten the day for the crews by "releasing" them or sending them home early.

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Is there a highlight that you particularly enjoyed?
When Skyguide was down last summer, I had only been in Crew Control for two weeks. On that day, it was only quiet for two hours, then it was pure chaos for the rest of the day. That's when I was thrown in at the deep end, but it showed me that I could do it and that I was in the right place.

What is your balance to work?
I play volleyball at Kanti Limmathal, a second division club. We have just been promoted and our goal is to keep going up. However, balancing training with my flight schedule is not always easy. If all goes well, I will still participate in an airline volleyball tournament in Belfast this year.