Meet Jose Antonio

What attracted you to joining Airbus?

I’ve worked at  Airbus since 2015. I joined after obtaining certification as an aeronautical structure assembler, which also allows me to work with composite materials. My interest in the world of aeronautics encouraged me to obtain my certification, as well as meeting several people who already worked at Airbus and spoke highly of their day-to-day work there. Once inside, I discovered that the working conditions were excellent, but what really captivated me was how interesting the work is. For the last nine years, I’ve worked as a trimming operator for  A350 wing.

What is the best part of your job? 

What I value most about my job is the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and a very high level of precision. Seeing how machines do such an impressive job motivates and energises me. A good day is one in which there are no deviations in the process, where we work first with safety and then with quality. 

Which Airbus values ​​do you feel close to?

Airbus conveys values ​​that I consider ideal. Everyone associates the company brand with quality and trust, and that is something I truly agree with. Especially quality, which for me means following a process tailored to customer specifications and being able to repeat it consistently. This generates trust in the work we do, something that is not easy to achieve. 

It is one of the reasons why Airbus is the leader in aeronautics. 

What are your most memorable moments at Airbus? 

First, the "100 Fest" event, celebrating the 100 years of aerospace in Spain, makes me very proud. I had the opportunity to bring my family and show them my workplace. My daughter was able to see first-hand what I do, and that was very special. Then, I’ve been lucky enough to take part in teams beyond my main role, in organising solidarity campaigns to help people in need, collecting clothes and food. And a few years ago, I had the chance to become a team leader, a very enriching experience. 

This enabled me to get out of the production routine and gain a broader perspective, seeing how other departments such as Quality and Engineering work. I loved the opportunity to solve problems from a more global perspective and see how decisions are democratised in the production area, where every voice is heard.

What is your favorite aircraft?

Without a doubt, the A350. Not only because my work at the Illescas plant is linked to this programme, but also because technologically it is the most advanced and efficient commercial aircraft, partly due to the fact that both the fuselage and wings are mostly made from composite materials.