Staff Spotlight: Sheyk Alves Souza

What do you like most about working at Airways International?

The people and the high standards we work to. There’s a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and doing things properly, which makes the work both meaningful and rewarding.

What initially attracted you to this role, and organisation?

The mix of aviation operations, training, and technology really appealed to me. Airways International also stands out for its innovation and strong reputation in the aviation industry.

What advice would you give someone wanting to start their career in the aviation industry?  

Be patient, stay curious, and focus on building a solid foundation. Attitude and willingness to learn are just as important as qualifications.

What moment or achievement are you most proud of?

There are many, but I would like to highlight three, in order of importance to me:

1. Being trusted to lead people when I did not see myself as a leader changed me profoundly. It taught me how to read situations and work with people who have strong views and care deeply about what they do. It also taught me how to be more caring and understanding, not only at work but at home as well.
   
2. While leading the Tower team, I also championed the Remote Simulation service during the travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19. I did this largely because I cared about my team and was concerned about job security if the COVID restrictions continued for longer and our customers (ATCOs) were unable to access the simulators.
   
3. My leader’s trust and support in allowing me to take the Remote Simulation service to the next level, and to deliver it to our first external customer.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my family and staying active through mountain biking on off-road tracks and hiking.