Jannina Nabbas is one of Finavia’s professionals, thanks to whom Finnish snowhow is known around the world. Winter maintenance at airports is a responsible and diverse job, which is why Jannina Nabbas finds it rewarding: “During every shift, I see concretely how we make it possible for aircraft to take off and land safely.”
Nabbas has always been fascinated by big machines, but the path to working with the airport’s machinery was not immediately clear to her. Native to the archipelago, Jannina is from a seafaring family. She has worked as an operator for a large cable ferry, among other things. However, the world of aviation drew her in once she first started her aircraft mechanic studies and later trained as an airport maintenance worker.
“I had a winter maintenance traineeship at Helsinki Airport in 2017–2018. It inspired me, and I applied for the same job for several winters. Nowadays, I am the second-in-command in the sweeper blower line,” she says.
Continuous learning is a key part of winter maintenance
Working days in winter maintenance are rarely the same. The weather sets the rhythm of the operations. Tasks include ploughing and sweeping runways and aprons, snow removal, spreading chemicals, cleaning lighting and maintaining the de-icing area.
Training is also provided for other equipment as required, and Nabbas is a master of both wheel loaders and snow blowers.
“The work combines physical activities, technical competence and continuous learning. It is fascinating to anticipate what kind of snow is coming, how much and how to prepare for it.”
Safety is always the priority
Safety is at the heart of everyone’s work at the airport. A strong team spirit and clear division of work ensure that everyone knows their place and trusts each other.
“The team is really good. During the winter there are around 20 people, sometimes even more if the winter weather demands it. No one is left to work alone, everyone gets to join in and is trained in their tasks.”
“Competence and the desire to develop are the most important qualities. I have always been interested in learning, and I thirst for information. If you are enthusiastic and have a lot of energy, you can learn about so many things. You are given responsibility and opportunities when you want them,” she continues.
Nabbas recommends her work and Finavia as an employer. Even though you are sometimes outside for a long time in the cold or the snow does not stop falling, the work is meaningful.
