- Aviator Airport Alliance, part of the Avia Solutions Group, has consolidated its position as a leading provider of ground handling services throughout the Nordic region – operating in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
- CEO Joe Alex Tanem highlights the precision of the 25-minute “Formula 1 pit stops” required for aircraft maintenance, especially under winter conditions, and shares iconic moments like servicing Air Force One and welcoming Tom Cruise during a film shoot in Norway.
Over the past few years, Aviator Airport Alliance has strengthened its position as the leading provider of ground handling services in Scandinavia, operating in one of the most demanding aviation markets in Europe. Operating across Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, the company is part of the Avia Solutions Group and supports a wide range of scheduled and charter airlines, offering high-precision operations under stringent safety and turnaround requirements. Aviator CEO, Joe Alex Tanem, talks about the realities of ground handling in the Nordics and the extraordinary operations that are handled behind the scenes.
Pit stop accuracy
Most ground handling operations take place behind the scenes, but these services are critical to facilitating airline operations. Once a plane lands, it must turn around for its next flight within a very narrow window – and winter adds complexity to de-icing procedures. According to Tanem, a Norwegian who has spent more than three decades in aviation, ground handling must be coordinated down to the second.
“When a plane arrives, we have about 25 minutes until its next take-off. In that time, 160 passengers and the same number plate disembark; 100-120 suitcases with cargo are unloaded – sometimes pets or wheelchairs. Then the hold is loaded again, food is restocked, and 10-20 tons of fuel are pumped. To achieve all this, we work like a Formula 1 pit crew: everyone and everything is in position, and then the moment the plane lands, he explains. Tanm: “When you stop, we are performing dozens of tasks at once.”
Aviator handles daily scheduled flights for SAS, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, Finnair, Norway, Air France, KLM and many other airlines at airports across Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. But the company also handled some truly unusual passengers and cargo.
“One of the Mission: Impossible movies was filmed in northern Norway, and our team handled the plane that flew the production equipment. Tom Cruise was also on board. What was also unforgettable was the day we serviced Air Force One in Helsinki when Donald Trump arrived with his wife. This was no ordinary operation – it required extraordinary security measures,” Tanem recalls.
Representing the airline
Ground crews should treat passengers as their customers, not as customers of the airline, Tanem says – and that’s how his company gains the trust of its partners.
“Even big airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and KLM cannot handle ground services themselves at every airport around the world, so they hire us. We must remember that when we check in a Lufthansa passenger in Arlanda, we represent Lufthansa to them. This is a huge responsibility.”
He adds that safety standards are more important than customer service. To win contracts, ground handlers must demonstrate high-level operating performance.
“At the airports where we work, we compete with many other service providers – airlines usually invite us to bid. The only way to stand out is to prove that you are the best, especially when it comes to safety. During service, for example, you cannot leave a scratch on the plane; even a small defect can cause the plane to crash. That is why we invest heavily in training, for both new employees and existing employees. Safety is the first thing that airlines evaluate. If you do not meet their standards, your bid will not be submitted,” says Tanmo. Take it into consideration.”
Sustainability and diversity
Tanem points out that success in ground handling comes down to flexibility – adapting to changing customer needs and fluctuating flight schedules.
“We don’t offer a one-size-fits-all package; we tailor our services to suit each client. But airlines are now adjusting schedules almost weekly. If demand drops, they switch planes, change routes or cancel flights altogether. We have to keep up with that, and that’s difficult – you can’t change the size of your workforce on a whim. So we’re focusing on efficiency and smart use of technology.”
Aviator was among the first companies worldwide to adopt electric ground handling equipment, replacing diesel-powered machinery to reduce noise and emissions in the apron. Equipment costs more upfront but is less expensive to maintain – and airlines increasingly value sustainable practices.
“We were the first to deploy an electric bulldozer, and we piloted an electric lift that lifts ULDs to the aircraft door. We also did the world’s first push of an Airbus A380 using an electric tug. Going electric is a big step towards greener operations and a healthier environment for our employees,” says Tanem.
A skilled workforce is equally vital. According to Tanam, candidates are attracted to Aviator because of its openness and inclusive culture.
“In the Nordic countries, wages for ground handlers are very similar thanks to strong unions. What sets employers apart is the way they treat people. We work hard to provide equal opportunities for everyone and actively encourage women to join the industry. At our plant in Gothenburg, women already make up almost a quarter of the staff.”
From Scandinavia to the world
Tanem’s ambition for Aviator extends beyond the Nordics – he envisions the company operating in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Growth will come in part through collaboration with sister companies in the Avia Solutions Group, such as Baltic Ground Services (BGS), which provides ground handling services throughout Central and Eastern Europe.
“Partnerships like this are invaluable – they open doors to new markets and help us align our services,” says Tanem. “Although Aviator and BGS are separate entities, we work closely together and jointly explore opportunities around the world. In January 2026, we will unveil a new corporate strategy. We expect to see Aviator and BGS expand significantly beyond the Nordics and Europe.”
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