Interview with Paul Eijssen, our incoming Managing Director

1. How would you describe yourself in terms of your work style and personality?

I see myself as open and honest, with a strong drive but also sometimes taking a step back to understand what I am working on. Clear communication of goals is crucial to me, as it helps ensure we work together effectively towards a shared vision. Collaboration is at the heart of my work, whether within a team or with external partners. Building a culture of openness and mutual trust is essential for success.

I value the power of collective effort, especially when facing challenges that might be too great for individuals alone, such as exploring international opportunities. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we can achieve more together. I thrive on the dynamic of handling various tasks and switching between them, though I also make time for reflection to maintain a clear overview. Balancing these aspects can be challenging, but I am confident that with time and experience, everything will fall into place.

2. Which core values do you consider important in your work, and how will you put them into practice at the NAG?

My core values are openness, honesty, and drive. Openness involves fostering transparent communication within the team and among members, enabling us to work effectively towards our shared vision. Honesty is key to building trust and ensuring everyone understands our goals and their role in achieving them. Regularly reviewing our objectives and progress helps us stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Drive means having the determination to pursue our goals and ensuring everyone feels invested in our collective success.

3. What attracted you most to the role of Director at the NAG, and how will your experience with Eurocontrol and NLR contribute to achieving our ambitions?

My passion for aviation drew me to this role. Aviation is a dynamic field with international, technical, and political dimensions. The rapid advancements in sustainability and new technology, coupled with the diverse activities of the NAG, are particularly appealing.

I’m eager to engage with foreign partners and national policymakers and bring our members together to develop collaborative solutions. My experience at Eurocontrol and NLR has equipped me with valuable skills in achieving commercial results as well as in policy making, which will be instrumental in advancing the NAG’s goals. Understanding both the technical and political aspects of the industry and having experience with various organisations and roles will help me effectively navigate and expand our influence.

4. You’ve already attended the Farnborough Airshow, the new office opening and spent some weeks in the office. What were your key insights so far?

At the Farnborough Airshow and the new office opening, I was impressed by the strong sense of involvement and support among our members and board. The collaborative spirit, where members actively help and promote each other’s proposals, seems unique to the NAG.

I also observed Frank’s vast experience and knowledge, which is both inspiring and a bit daunting. While I can’t replicate his 24 years of expertise, I’m eager to learn and contribute in my own way. My plan is to immerse myself in Frank’s knowledge and build relationships with board members and the wider membership to understand both their ambitions and concerns.

This approach will help me address shared challenges and contribute to our collective goals. By leveraging our shared aspirations and tackling common issues together, we can navigate industry changes effectively and ensure a smooth transition.

5. What previous experiences have best prepared you for the strategic and operational challenges of this role?

My 13 years in aviation have given me a deep understanding of the industry and its dynamics. This background will be invaluable to define and align our long-term goals. I’m excited to explore how we can turn these goals into actionable plans for the organisation.

My experience has also prepared me to handle both strategic and operational challenges effectively. I look forward to collaborating with the team to develop both short-term actions and long-term strategies that will drive our success.

6. What trends or developments in the aviation sector are you closely following, and how do you think these might influence the NAG’s strategy?

I’m monitoring trends like sustainability and the associated technological challenges. The move towards greener technologies is introducing new players into the market, from battery specialists to developers of novel fuels.

Digitalisation is also bringing new IT firms into the sector, creating both opportunities and challenges. Additionally, aviation seems to be receiving less policy attention, which could impact our interests.

Despite these challenges, aviation remains crucial. Following Frank’s initiative to position us within the broader mobility sector is essential. We need to ensure that aviation remains a prominent player and adapt our approach to flying as the industry evolves.

7. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what activities help you achieve this?

In my free time I really enjoy cycling, it is a great way for me to clear my mind and find inspiration. I often come up with my best ideas during a long bike ride when my thoughts are free to wander.

With one, soon two young children, I don’t always have time for cycling. Instead, I might opt for running, which helps me unwind physically, even if it’s less of a mental break.

We also have a second home in Portugal, where my wife is from. It’s a wonderful place for relaxation and recharging, both during and after vacations.