In conversation with Puk Steenbergen, Senior Recruitment Consultant, about Aerospace.
Puk Steenbergen works as a Senior Recruitment Consultant and, in addition to recruitment, is involved in account management, focusing on Aerospace.
Aerospace
The Aerospace sector in the Netherlands is an important and thriving industry focused on the design, manufacture and maintenance of aerospace vehicles and components.The sector is of great importance to the economy of the Netherlands, both directly and indirectly, and employs large numbers of professionals. We have close contacts with all kinds of parties active in the Aerospace Industry, both nationally and internationally, and are thus aware of the opportunities and developments within this sector.
Working in Aerospace
Aerospace is a big part of WFS PRO and it shows in our clients. We work with clients such as: GKN Fokker, Pal-V, SAM XL, Avion, Fokker Services and Conscious Aerospace.
Puk tells a bit more about some of our clients, "In the Netherlands we have several companies that are active in Aerospace, each with their specialty. For example, GKN Fokker specializes in a number of aircraft components, such as landing gear or wiring harnesses. But GKN Fokker also focuses on developments such as the electrification of aviation. PAL-V is developing a flying car, while Conscious Aerospace again has its full focus on flying on hydrogen. Besides interesting developments, maintenance is at least as important, or MRO on the aircraft, which we are also active in."
Puk also elaborates on the type of work and positions: "At WFS PRO the focus is mainly on Engineering, think Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers or Manufacturing Engineers, among others. Aerospace is a special industry where safety is of course top of mind, much more so than in Automotive, for example. That requires a certain way of thinking and working; someone must have an interest in aerospace, in that safety and all the processes around it. Not to mention the fact that today's developments may not take to the skies for another 20 years."
Developments in the industry
As briefly mentioned earlier, a number of our clients are working on hydrogen-powered flying and electrifying aviation; sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue and this is reflected in the industry. Sustainability is slowly becoming a prerequisite for companies, products, services or developments. Soon you will read more about these developments in an article on Green Aviation. Together with Maurice Taks, we dive into the topics of hydrogen and electric flying, and how our clients are working on them.
Green Aviation is not the only development in the industry. Our client PAL-V is developing flying cars. Puk explains more about this, "PAL-V is very far along in development and wants to start production in the near future. The car is approved to go on the road, but not yet approved to fly." Puk also explains what such a flying car would be useful for: "For example, PAL-V's product is ideal for emergency services to reach remote areas and vice versa. On the Wadden Islands in the Netherlands, such a plane has already been ordered to reach the mainland faster in case of emergency." Not just anyone is allowed to board a flying car. This has to do with regular air traffic and safety. Puk explains, "There are of course a lot of rules involved, especially in the Netherlands. You are not allowed to just take off and before you fly, your flight has to be reported to air traffic control, which has to give approval. Of course, you must also have a license to fly at all. This can be done through a simplified pilot training program offered by PAL-V itself." You also may not just take off from your driveway: You may only fly from a runway, provided your flight is approved.
Will we see flying cars everywhere in the Netherlands in a while? No, according to Puk, for now flying cars will become popular mainly abroad. "Think for example of the Emirates, where there is a lot more space, there might be a little less rules attached to it and of course there is a lot of money. The flying car, on the one hand, will be a luxury product, in addition to various practical applications." For now, flying cars will only be suitable for shorter distances.
