Our Modifications and Engineering Services team have designed and launched numerous solutions over the years, but how does the team create a healthy and diverse portfolio? How do they maintain continuous flow of new modifications?
2 minute read.
Fostering Innovation: How Fokker Services Designs Unexpected Products
ADS-B Out, CPDLC, EFB, LPV, and many more. Our Modifications and Engineering Services department has designed and launched numerous solutions over the years, but how does the team create a healthy and diverse portfolio? How do they maintain continuous flow of new modifications? Bert Leijen, Manager Product Development at Fokker Services, shares three steps that his team takes to design unexpected products.
"There are different stages involved when launching a new product. Starting off with an idea, then moving forward to the viability check, design, tests, launch, and everything in between. During the ideation phase, we are prioritizing innovation. We are asking ourselves: how can we offer more unique and unexpected modifications to our global customers?"
Renewed Team Structure
"The first step we have taken to achieve this is with team structure. We are shaking up our Modifications and Engineering Services department. The recently established Product Development team focuses solely on creating new products right through to finalizing the first customer order. This dedicated team of enthusiastic Development Engineers and Product Managers is still expanding, and with their broad range of skills and experience, many topics are being explored for development."
Always Keeping an Open Mind
"We are fostering a working environment that encourages out-of-the-box thinking. All ideas are equally welcomed - nothing is off the table. With a rich and varied selection of opportunities to explore further, tough decisions are made to move a handful of ideas to the next stages of development. Success is not measured by how many concepts make it to the finish line, what is most important is versatility and having a curious mindset."
We Are Listening
"Innovative ideas can come from unexpected places, and our team is listening to different channels for inspiration. New concepts could come from our colleagues, or they could be in response to new airworthiness regulations, changes in our industry, or as a way to support operators with specific challenges they are facing. We empower our team to explore every option, from avionics to interior modifications, large and small modifications, for multiple aircraft types."
