Christoph Brunner

• Snow removal in all types of machinery destined for this task was only part of my allocated responsibilities: daily maintenance as well as on-time and on-the-fly repairs during adverse weather situations comprised a mayor part of duties related to this position as well.

• This position I took to further knowledge in handling aircraft, a sector in which I had no previous experience. As I like to have had a hands-on on all variations of ground handling to be able to make qualified decisions in the role as supervisor, I am very thankful to Menzis Aviation for providing this part-time opportunity. In the 3 months I was allowed to perform this profession I completed all mandatory training pertaining to the above mentioned position.

• In the position(s) of both GSE ( Ground Service Equipment ) Supervisor for Atlantic Canada as well as Operations Manager for the Fredericton and Saint John Airport stations I was responsible for the training ( both classroom and on-the-job ) of both recurrent and new-hire classes as well as the manpower planning. This also included the budgetary compliance and liaison with HQ and upper management as well as the Health & Safety compliance, DG and WHIMIS oversight and training and, again, a hands-on approach if and when needed to ensure the smooth and financially viable operations at all 3 stations. For Westjet and Porter I also had the role of Aircraft De-Icing Trainer for winter operations.
• Active participation in the repairs and diagnostics of all GSE units as well as sourcing parts for, and price agreements with suppliers was also part of my often 100 hour weeks.

• As Cargo Supervisor I was responsible for the safe and timely preparation and loading of cargo for our multiple airline customers, which included Air Canada, Westjet, Korean Air Cargo, Atlas, National, Condor, Iceland Air, Kallitta Air Cargo, RAF, Linden Air, just to name a few.
• In this role I was also responsible for the Health & Safety inspections of our cargo facilities as well as compliance to the IATA safety rules and regulations during airfield loading, offloading and freight positioning procedures.
• Teaching classroom courses and their preparation ( video, written materials as well as PowerPoint presentations ) for the Transport Canada ACR-Course were also part of my duties as was the recurrent and new hire training for Westjet Cargo.

• Coordinated with ramp agents to verify baggage was placed on correct outgoing flight.
• Coordinated ground crew activities to complete objectives on schedule.
• Communicated closely with ground crew, flight crew, and tow person via headset radio to maintain loading and unloading safety and efficiency.
• Tracked flight schedules to promote on-time landings and avoid loading delays.
• Responsible for new-hire OJT, both for ramp duties and baggage room as well as seasonal training of deicing crews.

Diagnostics, repairs and customer service, main focus was motorcycles, ATVs and marine engines.

I also initiated a riding safety school being opened for shop customers as well as training and setting up race bikes for these, both for road racing as well as offroad.

• Maintained compliance with airport and airline policies and baggage weight restrictions to protect passengers, crew, cargo and aircraft.
• Oversaw cargo loading operations to achieve proper weight distribution and maintain safety during all facets of aircraft operations.
• Manpower planning as well as active on-ramp duty during winter seasons, both as iceman and deicer, driver.
• Provided detailed training and mentoring for each new team member, including safety protocol workshops, to optimize performance and productivity of all crew members.
• Developed team communications and information for training and operational meetings.
• Managed quality assurance program, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys.
• Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
• Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.

During the years of my apprenticeship as Motorcycle Mechanic and thereafter, I was engaged in testing and running the mechanical development for multiple World Motocross Championship teams, notably for Kawasaki UK, Sarholz Honda as well as Millennium KTM.

This role I took on and continued to hold even during my time at the Zurich-Kloten Airport, mainly on weekends as well as during my vacation weeks.

During these years I was a part of securing 13 national and 3 international titles as well as numerous race victories both in motocross / supercross as well as 2 national titles in road racing.

Kawasaki Germany also hired me for 4 winters to train their dealer technicians in suspension as well as diagnostics.