Keeping Pace with a Busy Airport

For the past three and a half years, Mandeep Brar has built a career with Citycare Property that has taken him from Building Assessment Auditor to Area Manager for the Auckland Airport open space maintenance contract.

Today, he leads a team of gardeners, mower operators and parks maintenance staff responsible for maintaining the grounds of one of New Zealand's busiest transport hubs.

With millions of passengers travelling through Auckland International Airport each year, the team helps maintain the green spaces that visitors see on arrival and departure. Their work also requires constant awareness of aircraft movements, aviation rules and the risks of operating airside.

"The team working airside has to navigate a busy airport," says Mandeep. "Maintaining airport grounds airside is a real challenge. They must always be listening to air traffic control and pilots to ensure their safety and also avoid causing delays or disruptions."

Working in a high-risk environment requires a strong focus on training, certifications and compliance. Mandeep ensures his team stays up to date with the licences, qualifications and aviation requirements needed to operate safely around aircraft and airport operations.

The work also requires close coordination with pilots and air traffic control, with staff monitoring aircraft movements and engine start-up activity while carrying out maintenance tasks.

"We have a very experienced and capable team working here," says Mandeep. "Some work nights when runways are closed, working to tight timeframes to ensure they are finished by the time runways are open again."

Alongside maintaining the grounds, the team also contributes to the airport's day-to-day safety, remaining alert to anything unusual and reporting potential issues when they arise.

It is a role that requires concentration, adaptability and teamwork every day, helping keep Auckland Airport's outdoor environment safe and tidy, while supporting its smooth operations.