Meet Florian

Define your job title in one sentence

I work as a controller for the Customer Services team in Airbus Americas. Our team is responsible for the performance of Airbus Customer Services’ integrated package of businesses including training, flight operations, maintenance, upgrades, dismantling & recycling covering the entire aircraft life cycle from entry into service to end-of-life.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

Working for Airbus is more than just building the best aircraft in the world. For us in customer services it is important that the customer is happy over the full lifecycle of the aircraft. 

The exciting part about finance is seeing the business operations of Airbus from a 1000-foot view perspective. This in turn enables me and the team to  help the operations team and enable the business to maintain safety, performance and compliance.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

As a young man, my dream was to become a pilot and travel the world! Through my early academic studies, I learned that my strength lies more with numbers than flying so I knew I had to find a way to combine both of my passions. 

I later found a great programme offered by Airbus in Germany which combines the university curriculum with a professional track, the Airbus Dual Studies Programme. 

This is a  unique program that exposes students into several different departments developing your skills and searching for your purpose in Airbus. 

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

I was and I am surprised by the incredible opportunities Airbus offers. While studying, I had the chance to work for an international branch. For three months I was working in Abu Dhabi in Sales for Satellite Imagery. It was truly an exciting experience! Later Airbus offered me the opportunity to switch between divisions (from Airbus Defence & Space in Munich to Airbus Aircraft in Hamburg) which enabled me to work for different products. That's something not many companies can offer. On top of that I haven’t even mentioned the exciting opportunity to work for Airbus in the US, in the front yard of our biggest competitor.

Explain what you do in simple terms

Finance is key to an organisation because we are present from the moment a dollar or euro sign is attached to the parts we are buying or the product we are selling.

Every month financials are collected, tabulated, analysed & consolidated to present to management actionable numbers that in turn result in the betterment of our company. 

As a member of the Finance Team I get to do the day to day financials but also work in very interesting and impactful projects, such as Cost Optimisation.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

Overall we are at the forefront of what Airbus stands for: Connecting people in a safe and united world. Finance is involved from the first developments in Airbus to the final delivery of the aircraft making sure that our objectives can be achieved, making our customer happy.

What made you choose Airbus as the start of your career?

When I was at the assessment center in Munich interviewing for the position of a dual student I felt that the people at the Airbus Defence & Space Headquarters in Ottobrunn were working on a big mission. I wanted to be part of it! We even had to build our own little paper rocket to show our dedication in the classic Airbus saying: We make it fly.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

During my career through different businesses and functions I was always supported in my development. Airbus offers mentoring by senior leaders or specific training programmes like ‘Challenge Yourself’ where you are guided through facing topics outside your comfort zone. This helped me overcome obstacles and work on myself.

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

I joined Airbus when I was 18 years old. I didn’t really know where I saw my strengths and what I wanted to do after getting my bachelors degree. In the three years of the dual studies programme I worked in six different departments. After that I knew I wanted to work as a financial controller in the aerospace industry, ultimately guiding my way to Manching, Germany, where I started my first job as a project controller for the Eurofighter programme. After working in Finance for two years I was joining the Supply Chain Operations team in Hamburg. This broadened my knowledge on the commercial aircraft business and helped me develop in a more operational environment.  My career then ultimately guided me to the Americas where I am able to combine my financial and operational knowledge to work as a Services Controller. 

What piece of advice would you give to a new intern or graduate joining Airbus?

You should mute your mic in virtual meetings when the Eurofighter is flying by. Additionally try to take advantage of the opportunities Airbus offers, build a network, learn from experienced senior colleagues and enjoy the products Airbus is building.

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

The opportunities in Airbus are exciting especially when you are open to new challenges. In 2023, Airbus was looking for volunteers to help in the Paris Airshow. We were helping at the stand when IndiGo closed the biggest deal in aviation history which was an amazing experience! Being close to our products and our customers was super exciting! It was an interesting and exciting week.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

When I joined Airbus Aircraft in Hamburg the colleagues and the city were new to me. I joined a newly reorganised team of around 1,000 colleagues in the supply chain, which I supported  with controlling, project management and HR topics. I really could feel the need and the difference in this newly created position that I had. We have introduced tools, improved the way of working and brought transparency to the management. It was an exciting chapter of my career!

What’s been the most exciting task you’ve worked on as part of your programme?

In Abu Dhabi I was conducting a market analysis for satellite imagery in the middle east. It was a super interesting environment where I could help my colleagues succeed in their sales pitches! 

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

My advice would be to approach your career in aerospace with an entrepreneurial mindset. Take initiative and seek out opportunities that are outside your comfort zone! The industry thrives on innovation, and your ability to think creatively and take ownership will set you apart as you grow in your career.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

My advice would be to embrace the many opportunities at Airbus. It’s a big company with a lot of possibilities and expectations, and while it may feel overwhelming at first, take it one step at a time. Be patient, and you’ll grow both personally and professionally.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

My advice is to be curious, stay open to learning, and embrace every opportunity. The aerospace industry offers so many different roles—don’t be afraid to explore different paths and find what excites you most.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

In Airbus there are many people that have special skillsets and knowledge that are rare to see in other companies. Connect with the people around you and you learn things about aircraft, rockets, satellites, and jets you would never have believed before.

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

I appreciate the collaborative culture at Airbus. Everyone’s opinion is valued, and there’s a strong focus on innovation, respect, and teamwork, which makes it an inspiring place to work.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

The value that resonates most with me is "We are one." Having worked in both the Defence & Space and Commercial Aircraft businesses, in Germany and the US, I’ve seen how important it is to live this value. Collaboration across teams around the world  is key to Airbus’ success.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

Airbus offers several things that support your work-life balance, like flexible hours or home office options that make it easier to manage both work and personal life. That flexibility has given me time to prepare for the Berlin Marathon, and learn to surf.

For those who want to stay active, there’s the Airbus Athletics team in the US, which I participate in, and it’s a fantastic way to get involved and stay healthy. It’s where I first experienced playing flag football!

Additionally, Airbus offers a variety of Employee Resource Groups. One example is GenA, where I am participating as a lead for DC and Virginia. GenA is a group especially for those on early careers programmes to network and connect across all of Airbus. There are other great ERGs like Pride@Airbus or WiN (Women’s Interactive Network) too.

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

Being part of a team that helps shape aerospace keeps me inspired, and the growth opportunities at Airbus encourage me to keep developing my skills.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

There’s so much more to aerospace than what we see in the sky!

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal” - Winston S. Churchill

Career path at Airbus

Example:

2017-2020

Dual Studies Program in Airbus Defence & Space, Ottobrunn 

2020-2022

Project Controller for Eurofighter ILS, Manching 

2022-2024

Financial & Resource Controlling, Hamburg

2024-Present

Services Controller, Washington DC, USA