1. João Cardoso, Aernnova Évora Composite Structures, Mechanical Structural Assembler
2. Luís Serrano, Aernnova Évora Composite Structures, Team Leader – Mechanic Structures Assembler
What is your perception of this year?
João Cardoso
This last year has been a year of changes with the arrival of Aernnova. We all expected what was going to happen, but it has all happened very quickly and we have hardly had time to assimilate it.
Luis Serrano
Last year was a very positive year with the assembly of Preator (composites) where I am an operator/team leader. Positive in spite of the adversities, where production has also increased, as well as recruitment.
What is your opinion on the integration process of the Évora factories into Aernnova Group?
João Cardoso
I think it is a process that is still ongoing, as many new people are still arriving every day. But for those of us who have been here since Embraer, it has only been an adaptation to the new working and operating methods that have emerged with the integration process.
Luis Serrano
Because of the Aernnova group’s experience in the aeronautical sector, I consider it an added value. Because the Évora facilities have the potential to receive more projects, to attract business. Aernnova is a supplier to major companies, it is a good transaction for many reasons.
What would you like to see in our company in the coming months/years?
João Cardoso
I would like to see more new projects, not only Embraer, because I believe that with the arrival of new projects there would be more opportunities to learn about new products, new working methods, more knowledge, more professional opportunities and progress.
Luis Serrano
It goes with my previous answer, I would like to see new projects in the facilities, an increase in production; more training, recognition and opportunities for people, generating a sustainable growth of Aernnova in Évora.
3. Jorge Coelho, Aernnova Évora Composite Structures, Quality Technician.
4. Thiago Dias, Aernnova Évora Composite Structures, Non Destructive Testing.
What is your perception of this year?
Jorge Coelho
It has been a very stressful year, with many changes and challenges. On top of all these situations we had to guarantee deliveries to our customer. Looking back, I think that, overall, we have achieved our objectives.
Thiago Dias
I would like to highlight the last year as a challenging period for ANN Évora. During this period, there has been a significant increase in awareness of the importance of quality in our processes. Our team has worked hard to adapt to the changes, optimizing our operations and seeking opportunities for growth in a challenging environment. I am confident that with resilience and a continued focus on innovation, we will be able to overcome all obstacles and build a promising future for the Aernnova family.
What is your opinion on the process of integrating the Évora factories into Aernnova Group?
Jorge Coelho
I think it was a well-structured and gradual integration, despite some setbacks we had to face regarding the operational systems we use on a daily basis. Personally I think it was less abrupt than I expected.
Thiago Dias
The integration has presented unique and specific challenges and opportunities. The common goals are being achieved and this integration implies the strengthening of the Aernnova group’s position in the market, resulting in increased competitiveness, expansion of production capacity and access to new knowledge and technologies.
What would you like to see in our company in the coming months/years?
Jorge Coelho
I would like to see new products coming to the Évora factory. But for this to happen, I think we have to pay attention and improve a lot in one aspect that I think is fundamental. We need to have more rigorous criteria for recruitment, whether in an internal recruiting level, for production areas, technicians and leadership/supervisory positions. Today we have a larger number of employees but this is not synonymous with guaranteed deliveries and even less with product quality. We have done more with less people. I think this has to be the main focus in the coming months, strict criteria in recruitment and especially in leadership positions. As long as we don’t guarantee highly qualified, responsible, focused and hard-working people, I don’t think we will be able to bring new products to the factories.
Thiago Dias
I would like to see our company invest in research and development to drive technological innovation in the aeronautics sector. This includes new technologies such as artificial intelligence (something for the production areas), additive manufacturing, among others.
5. Patrícia Sezões, Aernnova Évora Estructuras Metálicas, Team Leader – Surface Treatments/Painting
What is your perception of this year?
It has been one of the most challenging years of my life.
Entering the aeronautical industry was without a doubt a great challenge, but at the same time a devotion. I am very grateful to have been sponsored by Maria Cavalheiro and Diogo Amaral, who made me feel part of the team from the very first moment.
All in all, it has been a fantastic year, with a lot of work, but above all with a lot of learning.
What is your opinion on the process of integrating the Évora factories into Aernnova Group?
For me, the integration process has been very positive, because of the recognition given to the employees and because it has allowed them to grow professionally. It has also allowed the creation of new jobs and this has benefited us a lot at all levels.
What would you like to see in our company in the coming months/years?
For Aernnova Évora the next few years will be a challenge of growth and I hope to be part of the manufacturing of new components for other customers. In this way I would like to see the teams “styling” and maturing, allowing a continuous workflow and readiness for new challenges.