On the Radar:
Summer Maintenance

Patrick D'Ortun Blouin, Director of Fleet Management and Maintenance

On the radar May 26, 2025

At Aeromag, every team member plays a vital role in the success of our operations, and our mechanics are a key component. They help raise our standards in fleet maintenance and prepare each season with diligence, innovation, and team spirit.

Patrick D’Ortun Blouin, Director of Fleet Management and Maintenance, has been part of the Aeromag family for 17 years. He has worked his way up, starting his career as an Apprentice Mechanic before becoming a Mechanic and then a Head Mechanic. He is now responsible for ensuring efficient and complete vehicle maintenance within established timelines to minimize downtime and ensure optimal operational performance. He develops, implements, and enforces best practices, policies, and procedures related to fleet management, while ensuring meticulous record-keeping of technical documentation. Additionally, he oversees mechanics’ training both nationally and internationally, to enhance their skills and refine their ability to perform vehicle maintenance and repairs in line with the quality standards established by Aeromag.

“At Aeromag, routine doesn’t exist. In this constantly evolving industry, the complexity and advancements of deicing equipment are pushing us to go above and beyond every day. A strong, supportive team spirit, a friendly work environment, and a shared passion for innovation and performance are what makes working at Aeromag so unique.”

The summer season represents a crucial period for our mechanics, much more than some might think. Contrary to the common belief that winter is the busiest time for the maintenance team, it is during the summer that the most intense and fundamental work takes place. Without downplaying the essential role of our ‘truck doctors’ in winter, it’s when Mother Nature gives us a break that our teams roll up their sleeves to undertake meticulous work. From manufacturer-recommended preventive maintenance to rigorous testing and required certifications, each vehicle is thoroughly inspected. The goal is clear: to ensure that our fleet is optimal, compliant, and safe, to minimize downtime during winter operations.

Every summer, Aeromag organizes a dedicated training program for mechanics to provide them with the support and knowledge needed to apply best maintenance practices and become familiar with deicing units, which are growing more complex every year. With an impressive team of over 50 mechanics across our network, we structure this annual training over two weeks, dividing the group to deliver training tailored to everyone’s needs. In collaboration with the manufacturer of the deicing trucks, Aeromag offers a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of our operational reality. From sharing field experiences to theoretical study of complex systems, including diagnostic simulations and equipment maintenance, we do everything to bring our team to the highest industry standards, ensuring exceptional service for our business partners.

Let’s go further together.