Station Manager Alda Pinto joined Menzies at London Gatwick in 2016. She moved to the UK from Portugal to study for a Masters degree in history, but after taking a short term job as a check in agent her career in aviation took off in a new direction. Here’s her story…

Alda’s very first role in aviation was with a ground handler within a dedicated airline check in team. “I fell in love with aviation at the age of 25, in my first ever ‘proper’ job,” she says. “I knew nothing so I had to immerse myself in it but eventually I was given the opportunity to go to Atlanta to train as a trainer so I was then able to train others in customer service.”

Alda’s career has seen her move between ground handling companies, most recently becoming Station Manager for Menzies.

Even after 17 years in the industry, Alda still meets people with more experience than her, something she faced in her early career; “People who’ve worked longer often have an inbuilt confidence and knowledge and it can be difficult for a young person, particularly a woman, to get a seat at the table. But it often surprised me how much I knew. As soon as you leave any self-doubt behind and start speaking up, you’ll get great satisfaction from seeing your decisions validated.”

Throughout her working life, Alda has benefitted from the support of mentors – “Find a person who believes in you” is her advice – and has learned a great deal. “From simple things like how to write a difficult email or how to deal with conflict in a meeting, taking advice from a mentor or just watching how they do things can teach you a lot,” she says.

Alda’s outlook is pragmatic. “Either life adapts to you, or you adapt to life.” She doesn’t put limitations on what she can do, or where her career might take her next. “I’m a sucker for doing things well and serving the people who work with me. And if something comes my way that will make me happy, I’ll take it.”