Frederic Reynaud returned to Patria motivated by his passion for aviation

Frederic Reynaud left Patria for another company but later came back. The meaningful nature of the work and the chance to be part of the aviation industry were key factors drawing him back to Patria.

Frederic Reynaud graduated as an aeronautical engineer in Toulouse, France, but wanted to start his career in Finland, his mother's homeland. His first job was with a Patria project designing and manufacturing composite parts for Airbus A380 aircraft.

Aviation has always been close to my heart, so I wanted to return to the field. 

After nearly five years at Patria, Frederic moved to work for another company in Tampere for 12 years. Gradually, however, the idea of returning to Patria began to grow in his mind. Above all, there were two reasons for this.
– Aviation has always been close to my heart, so I wanted to return to the field. I was also interested in the opportunity at Patria to do work that truly matters. I think the defence sector is like that.

This is why Frederic has also recommended Patria as a workplace to others.
– In Finland, the defence sector has usually always been appreciated, but in the current global situation, it is valued even more.

Patria offered an interesting field of work

Upon his return, Frederic Reynaud began his tenure at Patria working on projects related to aircraft composites and in the Air PMO. Following an organizational restructuring, he transitioned to the Portfolio function, which was then tasked with overseeing product management and leading product development initiatives.

He now heads the Sustainment Services team, which is responsible for maintenance, repair, upgrades, modification, fleet management, and training services for various equipment.
– The range of tasks is broad. No two workdays are the same. 

The range of tasks is broad and no two workdays are the same.

In Finland, for example, Patria is responsible for the periodic maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of the Air Force’s Hornet fighter jets. Patria also updates and modernizes aircraft that have been in use by customers for a long time. For instance, after modernisation, helicopters are more efficient for various military and other official tasks.
– We also offer services related to vehicles. An example of this is simulators, which customers use for vehicle operation training.

To further support our customers, we develop our fleet management services using data-driven solutions. The goal is to plan and manage the availability of their fleet.

Continuous improvement and development are essential for services

Frederic’s work involves close cooperation with colleagues responsible for customer relations, product development, and production. In his opinion, the most important thing in the job is to see the big picture.

In Frederic's opinion, the most important thing in the job is to see the big picture.

Strategic planning for the future is also a critical component in professional work. Products and services are subject to ongoing evolution and improvement. Continuous development is necessary to effectively address the evolving needs of customers.
– Roadmaps for products and services help make decisions about future development areas.

In his free time, Frederic’s dearest hobbies are related to exercise. Excellent outdoor areas are found right next to his home, where he goes cycling and trail running.
– Skiing is also part of my winter routine, as long as there is enough snow.