An icon in the aeronautical community, particularly among Schedulers and Dispatchers, Umberto Vallino is retiring.
He started his aeronautical career in Cannes-Mandelieu airport in 1988 at Miriadair, first as an Operations agent and then as a Flight Dispatcher. He later became Operations manager at Air Cannes International before returning to the CCI in 1991 at Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.
His experience as an operator was invaluable, helping launch a handling service, which was much appreciated by all customers.
“The fame of Cannes Airport crossed the Atlantic and Kirby Harrison, journalist at AIN, came to interview me and to visit this wonderful small airport dedicated to Business Aviation”, remembers Vallino.
“In the meantime, the SIDs at LFMD have gone from 2 to 9 Kilo and I went from 70 to 92 kilos!” he adds in a smile.
“Not once did I think of this moment of departure. I worked with passion and enthusiasm often believing to be eternal.”
Ever the enthusiast, from 2011 to 2018, Vallino taught Aviation Planning and Airport Management at Skema Business in a section dedicated to aviation. Many of his students were inspired and have succeeded in their aviation career as business aircraft pilots.
“I leave the airport but not aviation,” adds Vallino. He has joined the WAI association (www.WAI.org) to continue bringing his help and experience within the association whose goal is to promote and encourage women in the aviation professions.
Additionally, alongside his friend “Cdr Bud”, Umberto Vallino will continue promoting the Caribavia conference in St Martin, in the Caribbean, scheduled next June 13-15, 2023.
