In this interview, we chatted with a representative from SAS, Andreas Mattsson, who has been working with Magnetic MRO since 2018/2019. We discuss his experience with the MRO, favourite places to visit in Sweden and Estonia, and thoughts on the cultural differences between the two countries.
How long have you been representing SAS at Magnetic?
I started representing SAS at Magnetic in 2018/2019 and have since had the pleasure of being here on and off.
What do you think sets Magnetic MRO apart from other MROs?
One of the things that really sets Magnetic apart from other MROs is its proximity to Scandinavia. Getting the necessary materials and parts to keep our aircraft operating at their best is very easy with daily flights from all our hubs. Additionally, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in our communication with the material planners, resulting in a better understanding of each other’s needs.
What is Magnetic MRO’s primary strength in your opinion?
In my opinion, Magnetic’s primary strength lies in its team’s commitment to delivering high-quality work and their willingness to learn and improve continuously. The employees are also very approachable and friendly, making communication easy.
Could you share your most significant memory related to Tallinn or your experience with Magnetic MRO?
Whenever I go to any MRO, I am prepared for the unexpected since you never know what might happen with the aircraft. However, my most memorable experience in Tallinn has been exploring the city and the rest of Estonia. One of my favourite restaurants is Põhjala Brewery, but there are, of course, many other great places to discover. Tallinn is a beautiful town that is easy to navigate as it is not so big, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. I think it’s best in the summer or springtime.
What’s your favorite place to visit in Sweden and Estonia?
In Sweden, my favourite place has to be the small village where I was born – Arjeplog. It’s located in the country’s far north and features stunning natural scenery, including mountains and lakes. What I appreciate most about this place is its peacefulness with no sound pollution.
For people visiting Stockholm, I always recommend a trip to the Vasa Museum, which never fails to amaze me no matter how many times I’ve been there, and it’s been a lot, like 15 times. It’s a big 1600s ship that I believe everyone should witness.
As for Estonia, I really enjoy visiting Narva. The town is incredibly charming and has a fascinating history intertwined with Sweden’s. In the 1700s, the Swedish army fought a famous battle against Russia with only 10 000 soldiers against Russia’s 50 000. The Swedes attacked during a snowstorm, surprising the Russians and emerging victorious. The town has a memorial to commemorate this historic battle. In addition, the castle is stunning, and it’s worth noting that Narva is located very close to Russia, so you can easily see the other side from there. I prefer smaller towns to big cities, so Narva is a perfect place for me to visit.
What are the main cultural differences between Estonians and Swedes?
I would say that we are very much alike. Many Swedes like spending time in nature and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and working out in general. After the long, dark winter, people take every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
I think the difference between Swedes and Estonians is that the latter are more open and honest about what they really think and are not afraid to say it, whereas Swedes are generally more cautious when it comes to conflict and confrontation.
Did you know that OY-KBO will be the 800th C-check of Magnetic MRO?
I was fascinated to learn that it’s already the 800th check for Magnetic MRO. While I don’t know precisely how long Magnetic MRO has been working with SAS aircraft, I can imagine it’s been a long time, maybe 15-20 years. Too bad it is an old aircraft because there’s probably much work to do. As I said, expect the unexpected. Moreover, it’s interesting to know that the aircraft is named after the Danish prince, Christian Valdemar Viking.
