Jake Dawson

What do you as Apron Operations Officer?

My role is focused around safety and security on the airport aprons, the areas where aircraft park up to be loaded and unloaded. We work with our ground handlers to make sure they’re following safe and secure procedures for people operating on the airfield.

How long have you been with the airport?

It’ll be ten years this November. I started two years out of school as part of the Airport Services Team. I worked my way up to supervisor there, before moving over to the aprons team after COVID.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

Generally, we start with a check of our biosecurity control area, making sure any quarantine waste has been disposed of correctly and that there are no other foreign contaminants. Then we do safety checks of the aircraft stands, air bridges and other infrastructure and equipment. We also do airside driver training and testing. And then of course there are all the things that come out of left field.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There’s a really nice community at the airport. Everyone's from different backgrounds and it's nice to chat with people and hear their experiences. I love getting to work outside and also the fact that every day is different. It can be a normal day or it can be a wild day – you've got to work with it no matter what!

What’s the most interesting project you’ve been involved with at Christchurch Airport?

That would have to be when we were escorting the Singapore Airlines flights throughout COVID. They came in three times a week and we had to escort the buses and assist with the repatriation process. Looking back, it felt like a completely different world.

And your most memorable moment on the job?

Last year we got to see the American F-16s arrive for War Birds over Wanaka. The pilots were very happy to show off before they went down to the show. They’d pass overhead going full throttle and put on the afterburner. It was very noisy and a real adrenaline rush!

Do you have a favourite South Island travel destination?

Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie district. It's always beautiful, no matter the time of year.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you head off to?

I’d go back to Japan. I love the mixture of ancient and modern. You can be walking through a Blade Runner-esque city and come across a thousand-year-old shrine in the heart of it. I’m impressed with the way Japan has maintained its traditions while also embracing the future.

Back to work – any advice for others seeking employment at Christchurch Airport?

Your ultimate role may not be the one you start with. I've worked my way up through a few different promotions. There are lots of opportunities here. Just get on board, and then you can work on getting to wherever you want to be.