Ground Support Spotlight: Jo Alex Tanem

Name: Jo Alex Tanem

Job Title: CEO

Company: Aviator Airport Alliance

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Years with current company: 8

Previous employers in the industry: Phoenix East Aviation, Archer Aviation

Ground Support Worldwide: What attracted you to a career in the ground support industry? 
JAT: I've always loved aviation. I trained as a pilot many years ago, and served 15 months in the Air Force.

GSW: What has kept you engaged in the industry? 
JAT: The dynamic atmosphere and very interesting people.

GSW: What’s the best advice you’ve been given while working in this field? 
JAT: "Never let a good crisis go to waste." I know it’s a Churchill quote, but with all the crises we’ve seen – the Gulf crisis, 9/11, Iceland volcano, COVID – it’s very important to meet any crisis head-on and take advantage of the doors that open while most doors get shut.

GSW: How have you seen the ground support industry change the most during your career?
JAT: Efficiency demands, shorter ground stops, higher tempo in basically everything, environmental focus and self-service on the passenger side.

GSW: Have these changes been to the benefit or detriment of the industry?
JAT: A benefit for the industry, as a whole, and definitely to the benefit of the travelers. But it puts a strain on ground operations.

GSW: What’s the next big thing coming to the ground support industry? 
JAT: Standardized regulations.

GSW: What type of an impact will it make?
JAT: Hopefully more similar processes and procedures between the airlines.

GSW: What would you say to encourage someone to join the ground support industry? 
JAT: This must be one of the most challenging, vibrant and fun industries to work in!