From flight attendants to aircraft maintenance experts: “Aviation requires you to be ready at all times.”
From serving passengers in aircraft cabins to calculating technical specifications and negotiating with clients, Auguste Bajol Knight's career has traveled quite a bit. She started aviation as a flight attendant and fell in love with the industry. After years of international travel, Auguste has made a leap into FL Technics' line maintenance division, global aircraft maintenance provider, part of Avia Solutions Group. She currently works as a senior sales manager, coordinating the aircraft maintenance process that keeps flights safe every day.
How did you start airline?
This was not my childhood dream, like many people. It all started very simply – I found a job offer from Emirates for the flight attendant. I was intrigued, took my chances and started flying around the world. That's when I really fell in love with aviation.
After that, I decided to study aviation management at Cazimieras Saimonavicius University. When my flight attendant career ended, I knew for certain – I didn't want to leave aviation behind, but I was ready to go back to Earth, so to speak. That's how FL techniques have entered my life.
Do you miss being a flight attendant? What was the most fun?
I'm definitely missing the travel aspect – discovering new countries and experiencing a variety of flavors and cultures. I've been to places I hadn't thought about visiting myself. Over five years as a flight attendant, I have met countless fascinating people. However, there are great benefits to working on the ground, and for now, they are my priorities.
Which airports from all your trips stand out as your favorite? why?
Thailand, Samui, no doubt. It's completely different from other airports – no outdoors, typical airport atmosphere. Everything moves, moving at a slower, more natural pace. It feels like your vacation starts the moment you land. The best part? You can literally sit on the grass and see the plane take off and land right nearby.
How has your perspective on aviation changed since joining FL technology?
From the cabin aisles, aviation looks magical: travel, people, amazing experiences. However, working for FL Technics made me introduced to the engineering side of the industry. This is a technical behind-the-scenes world filled with responsibilities and complex details that normally remain hidden, as long as everything runs smoothly.
I now realize how much work, expertise and momentary decisions are needed to acquire an aircraft in the air. Every time an aircraft sits on the ground, it's not only a huge cost for the airline, but every minute. This has given us even greater respect to aviation, especially those who maintain these aircraft.
If you had to select one aircraft component as your favorite, what is it and why?
engine. That may sound obvious, but I am still amazed at how countless complex parts and technology work together to create the incredible force needed to lift large aircraft into the sky.
Senior Sales Manager of Line Maintenance – It's a very title. What are your biggest workplace challenges?
Speed is the main issue. In many cases, decisions need to be made immediately, but technical work can never be rushed. It requires accuracy, time and careful thought. You need to communicate effectively with both your technical team and clients while managing everyone's expectations. This requires enormous responsibility
Ability to work under pressure. Things change rapidly at my job, so I need to be prepared to make decisions without hesitation.
What does a typical work day look like to you?
There's nothing typical! One day, I might be answering client meetings or phone calls and running calculations for various projects. The next day we get a sudden AOG (ground aircraft) situation. This means that the plane cannot fly due to technical issues – it must be resolved within a few hours. Even if you plan your day's methods, aviation has the habit of rewriting those plans. It doesn't matter if it's Friday Monday morning or 5pm. When my colleague and I joke, something happens, it happens in the most inconvenient moment possible. It's aviation for you – you need to be ready for anything at all times.
What I love is that my work doesn't stagnate. We travel for business and attend exhibitions. It's a great opportunity to see the world again, meet clients in person, and discuss the internal workings of the industry as well as the business. These personal interactions often achieve far more than an infinite email chain.
What qualities are essential for those who want to work in your position?
This role requires excellent self-discipline and prioritization skills. This is because multiple projects are often juggled at the same time. You are detail oriented, need to quickly grasp and be extremely adhering to changing circumstances. Communication is absolutely important. Client relationships are not built overnight. Trust is gained through consistent and reliable work. This business doesn't have a formula that is perfect for every size. You should think on your own feet, suggest solutions, and don't stop learning.
What trends do you see in the aircraft maintenance market?
Demand for aviation technology maintenance (MRO) is growing significantly around the world. Various sources report annual growth on average of 3-5%. This surge will be driven by post-pandemic recovery, increased number and flight frequency of aircraft, aging aircraft fleets, and airlines working to optimize operational costs while maintaining high reliability and efficiency standards. We also see more newer aircraft models in the service. Everything requires high-speed and high-quality maintenance.
How do you expect these trends to affect FL technology over the next five years?
First, increasing global flight volume and maintenance demands will significantly increase workloads. Second, more competitors will enter the MRO market and strengthen their competitiveness – quality, speed and pricing will become even more important differentiators. Third and most importantly, we face a shortage of engineers. Without skilled engineers, it would be impossible to maintain service excellence, so attracting and retaining qualified professionals will become our number one priority.
What sets FL technology apart as an employer? If you were looking for friends, what would you be on your pitch?
FL Technics stands out for their team spirit and their true commitment to individual growth and development. Management doesn't just assign tasks. They support, motivate and consistently encourage people to push and achieve more. The trust I feel here is invaluable – both from colleagues and leadership. It creates the environment you want to be and the loyalty of our employees speaks volumes about what it's like to work together and build something here. Everyone feels that it is a meaningful part of the company.
I have already adopted some friends in FL technology – that is probably the most honest support I can give. My pitch is simple. If you need fast-paced work, real challenges, an international environment and room for growth, FL techniques are where you belong.
About FL Technics Group
FL Technics Group is a globally recognized aviation MRO service provider, serving commercial aviation clients around the world. The company operates 23 subsidiaries throughout Europe, the US and Indonesia. FL Technics Group operates hangars in future locations in Lithuania (Vilnius and Kaunas International Airports), UK (Prestwick International Airport), Indonesia (Jakarta International Airport and Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport), and Punta Cana International Airport.
About Avia Solutions Group
Avia Solutions Group is the world's largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) provider and operates a fleet of 209 aircraft. The group also offers a variety of aviation services, including MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling and various related aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates on six continents.
Source: Cision
