Q&A with Bjorn, Aviation Safety Manager and Inner West local

We caught up with Aviation Safety Manager Bjorn Nielsen who’s been working hard to keep passengers safe as they navigate Sydney Airport for the past 8 years. When he’s not at work, he’s busy being a dad of two kids.

“If I am not running around chasing my 2-year-old or doing art and craft with my 9-year-old, I build and paint model aircraft, enjoy a board game with my wife and love baseball and cricket,” he says.

He’s a proud Inner West local calling Ashfield home, a stone’s throw from Sydney Airport. Find out what it’s really like to work at Sydney Airport, what his role involves, how to pursue a career in aviation and where he finds the best cup of coffee!

Check out the Q & A with Bjorn and get to know your friendly local airport staff.

Tell us about your role at Sydney Airport and what it entails?

My role is incredibly diverse but at its core I am responsible for ensuring that every plane arriving and departing Sydney Airport does so safely.

What inspired you to work in the aviation industry?

I have always loved aviation. It may sound corny but there is just something magical about this industry. Who wouldn’t want to work in an industry that is all about helping people experience the wonder of travel!

How long have you been with Sydney Airport, and what has your journey been like?

I have been with Sydney Airport now for 8 years and it has certainly been an amazing journey. It has its ups and downs like any job, but COVID was an especially eerie time. This was juxtaposed with the boom once we emerged from the spectre of COVID and has just gone upwards since then!

Can you share a project or initiative you’re particularly proud of at the airport?

One of the projects I am most proud of was our mission to better engage airport workers on how they all contribute to safety. Seeing people really take the message to heart and taking pride in their work knowing they are a part of the big picture is really something special.

How does your work impact travellers and the overall airport experience?

My work is mostly unseen but its impact is felt every time you get on or off an aircraft safely. Whether it be ensuring all the equipment used on the airfield is safe to use or managing the airside driving licence scheme of our more than 6,000 drivers, it all leads to an uneventful airport experience allowing passengers to just enjoy the journey.

What does a typical day look like for you at Sydney Airport?

When I experience a typical day I will let you know! Every day is unique at the airport, whether it be seeing a turtle making a slow crawl from one side of the airport to another or collaborating with our airport community on the next big project, there is always something new happening on any given day!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

This is like asking what your favourite movie is! There is so much to choose from, but the one of the things I love most is just knowing that I can come home and say that I helped keep Sydney Airport safe today.

Where do you live and what do you love about your community?

I have been living in the Inner West since I started at Sydney Airport and now get to call Ashfield home. What I love about the community is just how friendly everyone is. I can take the kids out to the park for a play and everyone is just so happy to have a chat and takes a genuine interest in how things are going.

What advice would you give to someone interested in a career at the airport?

My advice is don’t think twice and pursue it; you will not regret it. No matter your skills, education or expertise, there is something for you at the airport and it is a career for life if you want.

Are there any local spots you recommend for visitors or new residents?

I may be biased but we have the best coffee shop here in Ashfield called Apothecary which always serves a cup with a smile and a story. All their coffee is sourced ethically and supporting farmers around the world.

What do you think sets Sydney Airport apart from other airports?

Aside from having one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world, it really is the people here at Sydney Airport that make a difference. Everyone is always happy to help and make people’s journey as easy as possible.

Are there any upcoming developments or changes at the airport that excite you?

I am really excited by the recently announced changes to the slot management system at Sydney Airport. These changes announced will really benefit the community after a thunderstorm or other disruption event and could make the difference between getting home or having to spend another night away from family and friends.

As a Lego tragic though, I am really excited by the future plans for a revamped Lego store at the airport!

Want to work at Sydney Airport? Find out how you can join the team and make a positive difference every day.