Meet Sebastien

Define your job title in one sentence

Within Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ), I support Asia-Pacific customers in the operation of their aircraft. I act as their voice within Airbus, while promoting and selling services that best meet their needs.

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

Our customers are very special. They can be government entities, companies, or private individuals - and they are very demanding which makes working with them really exciting. We take great pride in supporting our customers and ensuring that their ACJs are maintained to the highest standards, so they are ready to fly whenever needed. “Where it matters, when it matters” is our motto. 

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

My initial career path and education were focused on IT security. It was a turning point when I replaced a colleague who mentioned that he was taking flying lessons. Although I had never imagined myself as a pilot, I decided to try a discovery flight in a Cessna 150 - a small, single-engine, two-seater aircraft. 

The experience of learning how to take off sparked a deep passion within me. This led me to obtain my Private Pilot License (PPL) and to begin actively seeking opportunities to join Airbus. Coincidentally in 2004, as the A380 programme was ramping up, Airbus was looking for candidates who combined IT security expertise with a genuine passion for aviation. 

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

Many things surprised me at Airbus, starting with the number of acronyms and abbreviations! I also discovered the profound emphasis on aircraft safety, illustrated by the concept of layer-based redundancy. Then there was the diverse international mix of employees, and the widespread passion for aircraft shared across the company. 

Explain what you do in simple terms

Based in Singapore, I am the focal point for all Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) customers across the Asia-Pacific region. 

My primary focus is on building and maintaining strong customer relationships. I  provide direct assistance to customers or connect them with the appropriate Airbus teams on topics such as entry-into-service preparation, training, compliance, maintenance and engineering. 

In addition, I am responsible for promoting and selling Airbus services which include upgrades, Flight Hour Services (FHS), and connectivity solutions. 

Essentially, I bring the voice of the customer to Airbus and the voice of Airbus to our customers.

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

Maintaining the highest standards for our aircraft is crucial to maintain the Airbus brand and reputation.

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

I wanted to be part of something significant. The wide range of careers and the passion for aviation within the company also played a big role in my decision.

How does Airbus support leadership development and innovation?

Airbus offers many resources for employee personal development, with the leadership model serving as a key guide. I encourage every employee to take an active role in their growth by dedicating to reflect and follow through with action. 

The size of the company and its processes may seem challenging for innovation. However, my experience shows that adhering to these processes ultimately ensures that innovative outcomes are robust and properly established.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Airbus offers a fantastic opportunity to embrace jobs in diverse countries, continents, and cultures.

Working in Singapore has broadened my perspective on work relationships as Asian cultures bring a different mindset. Even simple things, like how opinions are expressed or how requests are declined can be noticeably different!

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

I began my career in the Design Office, based in Toulouse-France, focusing on IT security for the A380 programme. I then transferred to the Customer Support Engineering team. From there, I moved into software sales and shifted my focus to software marketing. Eventually, I joined Airbus Corporate Jets as the Customer Support and Services Sales Director. 

I am now in Singapore, continuing in the same role as Customer Support and Services Sales Director.

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

My advice is to be both bold and humble. 

Development is an active process. Instead of simply saying “I want to develop”, start by defining your “why” and what motivates this growth. Then seek guidance: “How can I improve in this area? What should I do to be ready for a higher-graded role?” 

Finally, build and lead your own development plan, utilising the support available from management and HR.

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

As a support engineer, I was once dispatched to Thailand to oversee a component replacement needed during the aircraft’s quick turnaround time. Despite the pressure and a few initial challenges, we successfully finished the task just as the crew was boarding. 

I felt a sense of achievement as I watched the A330 take off, knowing that the passengers were likely pleased with the on-time departure. 

Another unforgettable moment was watching the A380 take off for the first time from the runway - a powerful reminder of the incredible machines we work with every day.

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

A key professional achievement for me was successfully convincing a customer to choose our software solution. My approach relied on a simple but effective technique, using the phrase “Let’s imagine …” This helped overcome initial obstacles by encouraging the customer to focus on the value of the solution rather than current challenges. By helping the customer picture a scenario where potential obstacles were removed, we were able to finalize the agreement and secure their commitment.

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

If you are considering a career at Airbus, take the time to understand Airbus’ values and top objectives. Ask yourself if you are ready to help pioneer sustainable aviation for a safe and united world. Aligning your goals with Airbus’ mission will make your journey here even more rewarding. 

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

Well there are many possible careers at Airbus.

Do you stand with the values? Do you want to be part of the journey and pioneer sustainable aviation for a safe and united world?!

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

I love the multicultural aspect and diversity of jobs at Airbus.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

A core priority for me is to adopt the customer’s perspective to develop effective solutions. Simply put, we must always remember that our work exists because of the customer. 

Respect and integrity are equally important - they are principles that align completely with my personal values.

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

A fundamental element of the Airbus Leadership model is  to “Be balanced”.  It encourages employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, helping us manage professional responsibilities while staying connected to personal priorities. 

How does Airbus promote diversity and inclusion in your team or workplace?

The wide array of nationalities and professional backgrounds at Airbus shows the strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, enabling us to learn from different perspectives and experiences, creating a richer and more collaborative workplace. 

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

I am inspired by the challenge our industry faces with achieving sustainability.

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

If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

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

“The goal of an infinite-minded leader is not to be number one, but to build an organization that is resilient enough to outlast the competition and survive purely for the sake of advancing a greater purpose.” Simon Sinek

What 3 words define Airbus for you?

• Amazing, what a journey!
• Pioneer
• Global aerospace leader