Portfolio and Account Manager
Airbus
Dubai

What is your name, job title, and where are you based?

I am Yanis Yousfi, working at Airbus in Dubai, as a Portfolio and Account Manager for the Schedule Maintenance activities.

Define your job title in one sentence

As a portfolio and account manager, we work closely with engineering teams to develop, sell and deliver maintenance solutions to support airlines. We help our customers by reducing their maintenance costs and increasing their aircraft availability.

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

What I love the most is the perfect balance between technical expertise and human connection. While our work involves very technical subjects, the core of my job is being a true partner to our clients.

Every day, we need creativity to understand their unique needs and tailor our planned maintenance solutions. It's not 'standard' maintenance; it's high-value, customised customer service.

I get to see the direct impact of my work: it brings a strong sense of pride and gratitude that makes the role dynamic and deeply satisfying.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

When you talk about Airbus, you're talking about constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace and space. Joining this company isn't just about having a job; it’s about participating in a technological and human adventure that connects the world and ensures the reliability of equipment that millions of people rely on.

It’s this unparalleled ambition and the pride of contributing to such a strategic industry that inspired me to join the team.

The story of Airbus is beautiful, and I wanted to be part of it, even if I play just a small part in such a large company.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

The biggest surprise was the emotion I felt during my first visit to the Final Assembly Line  in Toulouse. Stepping onto the factory floor and seeing those aircraft being built in such a gigantic space was overwhelming.

That’s when I truly realised the incredible opportunity and privilege I had in joining Airbus.

Even though my role is specific to a dedicated activity, simply seeing a plane take shape reminds you that you are contributing to something extraordinary. That visual grounds me every day in the scale and pride of working for Airbus.

Explain what you do in simple terms

My role is to support customers with their aircraft maintenance, and to guarantee maximum safety and performance of the fleet while reducing cost and avoiding issues.

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

I would say that my role is central to the core Airbus promise to deliver safe and reliable products, and to guarantee long-term reliability.

We develop advanced technology into durable, profitable assets for our customers. By developing optimised maintenance solutions, I ensure the aircraft remains safe, high-performing, and flying for the longest possible time. This is key to our customers' success and to Airbus' reputation for excellence in the global market.

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

Reflecting on my journey, the best advice I can share is to harness the power of visualisation. While 'never give up' is common wisdom, visualisation is the quiet, powerful engine that makes resilience possible.

My advice is simple: close your eyes and clearly visualise key milestones of the journey you want to take, both professionally and personally. See the feeling of accomplishment, the moment you solve a complex problem, or the next step in your career progression.

Why is this so powerful?

  • It acts as a clear target, guiding your daily actions and decisions.
  • It builds emotional commitment to the goal, making it easier to persevere when challenges arise.
  • It grounds the concept of 'never giving up' in a tangible, positive future.

Visualisation is perhaps the most underestimated but easiest tool we have for aligning our daily efforts with our long-term success. The ability to see where you want to be is the first step towards getting there, and the feeling when you finally reach that visualised future is truly amazing.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

I would say Teamwork.  I've been fortunate to work in environments that truly embody strong teamwork. My department has a powerful collaborative spirit. This doesn't just make work pleasant; it creates a challenging environment where colleagues push me to learn more, build expertise, and succeed. That collective drive is what "We Are One" means to me.

The Inclusive Creativity value also aligns with the importance of creativity. When a team truly operates as one, it fosters an inclusive environment where every personality and every idea is valued. I've been very happy in my position where I feel empowered to propose, act, and try new things. This ability to freely contribute new ideas is only possible when the team structure is based on mutual support and trust.

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

That's a very important question. I truly appreciate Airbus's commitment to well-being, recognizing that a strong work-life balance is central to sustained efficiency.

I understand that this balance is supported not just by formal policies, but by a genuine culture of trust that empowers employees with autonomy. 

This flexibility allows me to maintain the discipline I've built through years of high-level physical activities like Thai Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This personal commitment ensures I remain sharp, focused, and energized, directly benefiting my professional performance.

Furthermore, I'm impressed by the proactive steps Airbus takes in offering on-site or organized well-being opportunities. Initiatives like the recent yoga classes or other activities demonstrate that the HR department actively promotes holistic health, which is a modern, forward-thinking approach.

Ultimately, an environment such as at Airbus that strongly supports both personal and professional success is where I can contribute my best work.