@movernie
People Spotlight: Lenin John
Role: Ground Crew at Porter Airlines
As part of the MoVernie on the MOVE initiative, we often put a spotlight on staff and employees that we met during our Press Trips, VIP Events or at any other occasions that deserves our spotlights. We feel that it’s important to highlight these individuals who dedicates their lives and hard work to the companies that they work for especially for those who luv their jobs very much with a passion.
Meet Lenin John, I met him on my Porter Airlines inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson to Vancouver Airport.
As I was siting in my aisle seat taking photos, generating content for my inaugural flight, I noticed this energetic gentleman approaching me while holding a skateboard. It’s quite unusual that you see people bringing skateboard on a plane. I seen enough skateboarders in California, but not in Toronto. As it turned out, John was sitting next to me. So, I chatted him up about the skateboard. He told me that he luv to skateboard, he roams round the city with it. He lives in Downtown Toronto and works for Porter Airlines at the Downtown Billy Bishop location, so skateboarding is his passion and his mode of transportation. He brought along his skateboard so he can roam around Vancouver in style.
So…I asked him what got him to be on this inaugural flight. He said that some of the Porter employees were able to board on this inaugural flight as the company would luv them to get to experience the new jets, new routes, see how things are being operated on and off the plane. Moreover, a chance for their staff to see other parts of the world. John did informed me that as part of the Porter perks, staff could fly to places with a staff discount. He was super happy to know that Porter is now flying to Vancouver as Vancouver is a major airport hub for passengers to fly to places such as Hong Kong, Japan, Hawaii, just to name a few. He was super happy about this new route that his company offers, so in the future, he can fly Porter to Vancouver and then fly from Vancouver to Hawaii (which is John’s favourite destination).
As we chatted further, I learned so much about John’s work at Porter. He told me that he is part of the Ground Crew team. He and other staff will brave the cold each morning to uncover the “plane pajamas” so the plane are free from ice and snow so the planes are cleaned and have visible windshields ready to fly. The first flight of each morning is crucial as any delay with the first flight will create a domino effect impacting later flights, thus, it’s important the first flight of each day is important.
Also, they will hook up the planes and guide them out to the runway for take off. Furthermore, they have to physically put-in and pull-out checked bags into the storage compartment. He said they have to follow the instructions/codes on each checked bag to determine where to place the check-in bags on the plane for even weigh distribution for safe travels. Additionally, he and his crew will clean the toilet and clean up the cabin as well.
Honestly, I always thought ground crew are only responsible for signaling with hand held glowing lights for pilots to see when moving in and out of the terminal. But I didn’t know they are also responsible for putting in and out checked bags and washroom clean up. I have learned so much from John. Despite so many hats that John has to wear, he told me that he luv his job, he luvs his company and he wholeheartedly luv this city.
Trust me, I could feel his passion and energy when the plane took off. You could see the smile on his face and the satisfaction of seeing this new Porter jet soar into the air. He talked about how quiet the jet was and the altitude that the jet was flying. He even showed me an app that could indicate where we were, how much longer is the flight and the distance before we will be landing in Vancouver.
John was super excited when he saw the Porter ground crew and media were waiting for our plane’s arrival on the tarmac at the Vancouver Airport. He was taking pics and videos. And after we deplaned, John said he will wait around to witness the Porter presentation from his boss Michael Deluce to the media before he leaves to explore Vancouver.
John told me a place that I never heard of, it’s called “Point Roberts”, it’s apparently about 45 mins drive from Vancouver Airport (YVR). He told me Point Roberts is an unique place. It’s attached to Canada land and the rest of Vancouver, yet it’s part of USA. Reason? When Canada and USA cut off the land via the 49 parallel, Point Roberts got cut right off. So, anyone who lives in Point Roberts daily have to get pass the border in order to enter into Canada, odd but interesting isn’t it?
John told me that his friend is picking him up when he lands so he can visit Point Roberts. He even brought along his passport just for this specific occasion. Remember, when travel within Canada, no passport is needed. I never heard of this place, but it’s very nice to learn new things from John.
I can’t wait to check out his journey to Point Roberts on his Instagram.
I truly believe Porter Airlines are very lucky to have amazing staff such as John Lennon who dedicates his time and hard work growing with the company. He cares and feel a sense of pride seeing his company grow. John is truly an asset for Porter Airlines. As we know, it takes a whole team in order for a company to thrive, no matter what positions they are, they play an important role.
Porter Airlines – Inaugural Flight from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Vancouver Airport (YVR):
Porter Airlines expanding and increasing new routes is a HUGE milestone for this company. It now offers flights flying in-and-out of Billy Bishop (Downtown Toronto) and Toronto Pearson (Mississauga). I am very honoured to be one of the lucky ones to fly this inaugural flight with Porter.
Point Roberts – Washington State, USA
Want to learn more about this unique region called “Point Roberts”? Click here to find out more about Point Roberts.
(Photo Credit: Google Maps)
