Meet Kurt Jensen, Station Manager at Aviator in Tromsø Airport, AKA “King of the North,” who was recently named Employee of the Year in the Game-changer category. This recognition left him feeling surprised and humbled but also very happy. “It’s such an honor to receive this award, especially considering how many talented people I work alongside,” Kurt shares.
Kurt’s career is a story of determination and hard work. Over the past 20 years, he has built an incredibly strong team at Tromsø Airport. Kurt not only maintains full control of his own station but also assists other airports and their station managers when needed. According to Kurt’s colleagues, he’s a savvy businessman, consistently delivers results that exceed expectations, and has “all of Norway as his fan base.”
However, it’s not all just fun and games. Without a formal education, Kurt has always relied on hard work and perseverance to climb the career ladder — a path he doesn’t take for granted. “I’ve always worked hard to move up in every role I’ve had,” Kurt shares. That relentless drive has shaped him into a respected leader in the aviation industry, where adaptability and resilience are essential.
His journey with Aviator began over 12 years ago when he transitioned from Norwegian to what was then Røros Flyservice. Reflecting on his early days, Kurt remembers the challenge of starting fresh while building on years of experience. Being part of the Avia Solutions Group now feels like a natural fit. “Stability, innovation, and excellence,” he says, are what define this organization and what makes him proud to be a part of it.
Despite the challenges the aviation industry faced in 2024, for Kurt, the key was focusing on his team, “building unity, fostering respect, and encouraging development were my main priorities.” He knows that a strong team is the backbone of any operation, especially in an environment as fast-paced and demanding as aviation.
As Kurt’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, his goals for 2025 demonstrate the same commitment. He’s determined to keep his team strong and motivated and ensure they continue to deliver exceptional service. Kurt’s guiding principles — handling with respect, flexibility, passion, responsibility, and customer focus — remain his key focus.
It’s important to note that dedication comes with its challenges. Tromsø has grown rapidly in the past years, often outpacing its infrastructure, which means constant adaptation for Kurt and his team. It’s not easy, but Kurt has a way of staying balanced. “Spending time with my family is what helps me recharge,” he says.
Looking back, if he could offer his younger self some advice, it would be simple but meaningful: “Get an education and follow your dreams.” While his path has worked out, Kurt values the doors education can open and encourages others to learn new things wherever possible.
When asked what qualities he would look for in the next Employee of the Year, Kurt doesn’t think twice. Dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to growth are what he values most. His own journey is a perfect example of how those qualities can lead to success — not just for the individual but for the entire organization.
Vilnius, Lithuania
