Mari Taakala, Airpro's HR specialist, has worked in the aviation industry for 34 years, 24 of them at Airpro. In Airpro's 30th anniversary year, we will share stories from Airpro employees over the years!

"My career at Airpro started on 1st of March 2000. I started as a Sales Secretary, and there were me and seven other people in the office: I always had long black hair, and we joked that we were like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the airport! My duties included a lot of administrative work, invoicing and planning activities. I have worked in a number of different titles, including Executive Assistant. In 2005 I worked as Financial Coordinator in addition to the title of Secretary. When Airpro moved to its current premises on Lentäjäntie, I started to progress from HR Assistant to my current position. 

I remember when Airpro started to grow exponentially. We expanded our network and went to meet our new staff in the airports of Savonlinna and Varkaus. We handed out caps with the Airpro logo, the first Airpro-branded clothing!  

During the years we’ve offered many kind of service. For example, our Security Officers have been working on the World Cup. Airpro used to sell pizza, t-shirts, suitcases, ties, pins and tights at Helsinki-Vantaa, Tampere and Turku airports.  

Historical moments

It was historic when Ryanair, Finland's first low-cost airline, started flights to Tampere in March 2003. My colleague, the Airpro CEO and I were there to welcome Ryanair's CEO and the first flight. A brass band played, and we offered gift bags to all passengers.  

My work has always been varied and interesting. My colleagues are definitely the richness of this job, and the richness of life in general. All these years I have been surrounded by wonderful people and I have had a great time. The team spirit at Airpro is great! I would like to thank everyone I have had the pleasure of working with over the years!"