We are thrilled to announce the newly appointed Head of Flight Operations José María Fernández. What began as an unexpected career path decision, has blossomed into a beautiful journey filled with learning, experience, and overcoming obstacles. You may already be aware of how difficult the aviation industry can be. José María tells us what helps to calm every storm and arrive with solutions. Have a read!
We always like to start the conversation with this question: Why aviation?
Initially, I had my sights set on a career in sports teaching. But then, just before finishing high school, I attended a roadshow and immediately felt attracted to aviation. Since that moment, I have been committed to an aviation career, which was an effort for my family as well; I’m deeply proud and grateful to them.
Tell us more about your career in aviation: which position did you start at and how it evolved?
For the first ten years after finishing my pilot studies, I was flying small airplanes and focused on the Spanish airlines to join, but, unfortunately, the tragic September 11 events happened. I had to take my career in a new direction to fly the A320 to Turkey as a First Officer for a year when I got a call from a Spanish company, Gestair, to pass A340 ACMI for Iberia from MAD. I couldn’t refuse the offer, and it was three unique years and experience learning from very experienced Captains.
However, the 2009 economic crisis resulted in the A340 operations being ceased, and I went back to the same Turkish company to fly A320 and A330 as a First Officer. In 2012, I was eventually upgraded to Captain on A320. I spent two years in the company, gaining valuable experience.
In February 2014, Avion Express called me for an assessment, and shortly after, I joined Avion Express as a Captain. Later on, I was promoted to various positions, including Base Captain, TRI, Chief Pilot, Training and Evaluation (TRE), Deputy Head of Flight Operations, and eventually, Head of Flight Operations.
What are your expectations and motivations for a new position? What’s most important to you in your job?
It is always challenging to be nominated for a Head of Flight Operations. Responsibilities are higher, and coordinating the work of a team, making the company’s size three times bigger than it was, is a challenging aim. But I must admit that what motivates me and the team is the group’s attitude and mentality; we all have the same target and emphasize the necessary tasks with a very young and experienced squad in all the fields. Some days we have to admit that we face issues with complicated solutions, but after evaluation, we can always find a peaceful and reliable answer.
I have to mention the team who inspired me and supported me in management since I joined the company. A special mention for Mario Morandini, who, unfortunately, is not with us anymore, but whose style and attitude remain an inspiration and motivation for me in difficulties. I would also give credit to our multicultural team and working environment – a combination of attitude and experience that has enabled our success year after year. Moreover, it is also an asset to have managers working together for a long time in this company, as this has enables us to work together like a gear smoothly.
Where are you from? How do you like to spend your time outside of work? What are your hobbies?
I am originally from Asturias, a region in the north of Spain, where my family belongs, but I have been living in Puerto Sagunto, near Valencia, since I was six months old. When I’m in Vilnius, I love to play tennis, usually four or five times a week; it is well organized and has different indoor places and online organizations. I also enjoy paddle tennis, which is becoming popular in Vilnius. When I’m at home in Spain, I dedicate time to my family and sports.
Congratulations, José María, we are proud to have you!
If you‘d also like to join our team as an A320 pilot, apply to become a part of a global family and fly together with Avion Express! https://www.avionexpress.aero/service-provision-opportunities/
