Case Study: Aviation Recruitment Success in a Cargo Airline Expansion

Business Type: Cargo Airline
Location: Belgium
Recruitment Type: Permanent Aviation Recruitment
Key Stakeholders: Human Resources Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Engineering Manager, and Technical Director
Positions Recruited For: Senior Avionics Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance Program & Reliability Manager, Aircraft Systems Engineer, Structures Engineer, and Powerplant Engineer
Consultant: Aimee Simpson, Team Leader & Aviation Recruitment Specialist, GOOSE Recruitment
When a leading cargo airline based in Liège, Belgium, embarked on an ambitious expansion of its engineering team, it faced the challenge of recruiting highly skilled talent in a competitive, candidate-driven market. With multiple critical roles to fill and the pressure of tight timelines, they turned to us as their trusted recruitment partner. Leveraging our expertise in finding top-tier aviation professionals, we provided a tailored solution that delivered exceptional results and enabled our client to meet their growth objectives.

The Challenge

The client encountered significant hurdles in their recruitment efforts. Sourcing skilled talent proved to be particularly challenging in a highly competitive and candidate-driven market. Additionally, they needed to fill multiple critical roles within tight timeframes to align with their ambitious expansion plan.

The Solution

We implemented a comprehensive and strategic approach to meet the client’s recruitment needs. By tailoring our methods to their unique requirements, we ensured a seamless hiring process that delivered results.

Our Approach:

Understanding the Client’s Needs:

We developed a detailed understanding of the client’s requirements and their employer value proposition (EVP) to attract the right talent.

Strategic Talent Search:

Our team conducted a targeted search for passive candidates, extending across a wide geographical area to maximise the talent pool.

Candidate Management:

We provided in-depth support throughout the interview process, from financial offer negotiations to onboarding.

Candidate Engagement:

To ensure candidates remained committed, we maintained regular communication during lengthy visa application processes and provided relocation support to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Collaboration

A collaborative approach was at the heart of this project, ensuring alignment between our team and the client’s HR department. From the outset, we prioritised regular discussions with the HR team to adapt to evolving priorities and identify practical compromises needed to secure the right talent.

We maintained continuous communication throughout the recruitment process, ensuring feedback was streamlined and the search progressed efficiently. This open dialogue helped to optimise the hiring timeline and keep momentum high.

Additionally, we provided frequent updates on open vacancies and long-term hiring plans, ensuring the client had a clear overview of progress and next steps at all times.

The Results

​Our collaborative and strategic approach delivered tangible results for the client, successfully addressing their recruitment challenges and supporting their ambitious expansion plans.

Hires Made:

Two highly skilled candidates successfully started employment in October and January, contributing to the growth of the engineering team. In addition, a third candidate has signed a contract and is set to begin in May, ensuring continued progress toward their hiring goals.

Ongoing Progress:

Four more candidates are actively engaged in the interview process for the remaining open roles, demonstrating the continued success of our targeted search strategy.

Additional Benefits:

Beyond the immediate hires, the client benefited from:

  • Access to Passive Talent: We identified and engaged candidates who were not actively seeking new opportunities, expanding the talent pool significantly.

  • Accelerated Recruitment Process: Our efficient methods ensured the hiring process was optimised without compromising on quality.

  • Expert Interview and Offer Management: We provided comprehensive support to both the client and candidates, ensuring smooth negotiations and successful placements.

  • Continuous Consultation: Regular communication and tailored advice enabled the client to secure the best talent while navigating the complexities of a competitive market.

​Conclusion

This case study highlights the power of a strategic and collaborative recruitment partnership in overcoming complex hiring challenges. By understanding the client’s unique needs, targeting passive talent, and providing comprehensive candidate and process management, we delivered results that exceeded expectations.

The successful placement of highly skilled engineers, with more in the pipeline, has supported the client’s ambitious expansion plans while strengthening their engineering team. Our ability to provide ongoing consultation, access to untapped talent, and expert recruitment management has reinforced our role as a trusted partner for their long-term hiring needs.

This project serves as a testament to how a tailored and proactive recruitment approach can help businesses thrive in competitive markets.

Client Testimonial

"We're working with Aimee and highly recommend her. She consistently brings great talent to our team, understanding our needs and delivering excellent candidates. Her responsiveness is excellent, always keeping us informed and ensuring the process runs smoothly. Her professionalism and quick communication make her a valuable asset to us."

Recruitment Officer

What next?

Find out more about our Permanent Aviation Recruitment Solution:

Permanent Aviation Recruitment

Contact us

​We love to talk, so please call our team or complete your details in the form below:

+44 23 8235 4300

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