Delano Cairo is an Airport Authority Officer at Schiphol. His job is to ensure that people are doing their job safely in the terminal. From builders working without safety glasses to caddy drivers parked in front of fire exits, Delano holds people accountable so that everyone in the terminal stays safe. Interested to learn more about this job at the airport? Keep on reading!
‘Oh, I can see a colleague through the window on airside. He’s stopped a vehicle and is talking to the driver – perhaps they were driving too fast.’Delano Cairo - Airport Authority Officer
When Delano started working for Schiphol, it was as a Security Agent. He did this job for fourteen years before making the move to Authority Officer – a decision he’s very happy he made. ‘Unlike when I worked in security, I now get to walk around the terminal every day. I like the freedom.’
But what’s the difference between a Security Agent and an Authority Officer exactly? Everyone who has travelled through the airport will have encountered a Security Agent, as they’re the ones who check your hand baggage. But just as important as security is safety. Have the handling companies cleared away all rubbish in the passenger bridges? Are builders working according to Schiphol’s safety rules? These are some of the issues that Delano deals as Authority Officer.
Delano and his colleagues work landside and in the lounge, dealing with a wide range of matters from dangerous driving and seatbelt wearing to keeping emergency exits clear. ‘Every shift starts with a briefing. We find out about what happened during the previous shift and discuss anything that needs to be done that day. One person will be responsible for answering phone calls and directing colleagues to respond to the reports that come in. Aside from that we walk around and see what we come across.’ Whatever happens, Delano takes it all in his stride: ‘‘You’ve always got to make the best out of your day and stay positive.’
‘I’ve actually never experienced any real emergencies first hand. And I’m happy to keep it that way.’ In his time as an Authority Officer in the terminal, Delano has not been directly involved in any extreme situations. ‘Now and then a fire alarm goes off, but generally it turns out to be a case of burnt toast in a staff room.’ Sometimes though, emergency situations do happen at the airport. And colleagues have to respond to them. Delano is in the aftercare team, meaning he looks after coworkers who have had to deal with something major and need someone to talk to.
Another role he has taken on since working in this position is that of mentor. He takes new recruits under his wing and helps them learn all they need to know about their new job. It’s no surprise that he’s sociable – a trait that’s handy when you’re interacting with lots of different people all day. That’s one of the best things about the job according to Delano. He also appreciates the scope for growth that is offered at Schiphol, making use of all the different opportunities for further training and development. ‘It’s a great place to work.’
Delano is one of many colleagues with remarkable stories about their work at the airport. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more blogs about a day in the life of an employee at Schiphol.