OUR FUEL IS SAFETY

How Skytanking teams up with Fristads at Cologne Airport

Every 15 seconds, day or night, the international company Skytanking refuels an aircraft somewhere in the world. Behind every take-off lies a highly coordinated operation where safety, precision and trust are non-negotiable.

Skytanking is one of the major players in aircraft refueling and has been delivering aviation services for 25 years. Each year, the company handles over 25 million cubic meters of aviation fuel. Their teams operate in a highly demanding environment where precision and protection are critical, requiring workwear that performs just as reliably as the people wearing it. High-quality PPE and multi-standard protection that combine safety and comfort in every garment are essential. For that, Skytanking relies on Fristads.

OUR FUEL IS SAFETY​​​​​​​

How Skytanking teams up with Fristads at Cologne Airport

Every 15 seconds, day or night, the international company Skytanking refuels an aircraft somewhere in the world. Behind every take-off lies a highly coordinated operation where safety, precision and trust are non-negotiable.

Skytanking is one of the major players in aircraft refueling and has been delivering aviation services for 25 years. Each year, the company handles over 25 million cubic meters of aviation fuel. Their teams operate in a highly demanding environment where precision and protection are critical, requiring workwear that performs just as reliably as the people wearing it. High-quality PPE and multi-standard protection that combine safety and comfort in every garment are essential. For that, Skytanking relies on Fristads.

Dual Products Left Image
Dual Products Mobile Left Image
Dual Products Right Image
Dual Products Mobile Right Image

A WORKPLACE WHERE SAFETY IS EVERYTHING

Around the clock, Skytanking professionals move carefully across the airport, preparing aircraft for their next mission — often in changing weather conditions and under tight time pressure. In this environment, there is no margin for error.

“Safety is always at the forefront in the international airport environment, also for our colleagues on the ground,” says Thomas Hampel, HSSE of Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) and Head of HSE Northern Europe.

To maintain a safe operation, workwear must meet strict airport regulations while supporting daily tasks. High visibility, antistatic properties and multi-standard protection are fundamental requirements.

“We also wanted inherent flame protection beyond what regulations require,” explains Chris Michael Chaborski, Head of Operations at Skytanking. “In an environment where explosive atmospheres and static discharge are potential risks, additional protection simply makes sense. And Fristads delivered.”

​​​​​​​Darker trousers paired with high-visibility outerwear created the right balance between compliance and practicality. The design meets strict visibility standards, while the darker base keeps the garments looking cleaner despite daily exposure to fuel and dirt.

Dual Products Left Image
Dual Products Mobile Left Image
Dual Products Right Image
Dual Products Mobile Right Image

PROTECTION CHOSEN BY THE EMPLOYEES

Aircraft refueling is physically demanding work. Handling large hoses, tools and equipment requires strength, precision and constant movement. Climbing ladders, working on knees or overhead are all part of the everyday job — and workwear that restricts mobility quickly becomes a safety risk.

“Workwear must be lightweight and ergonomic. Mobility, comfort and practicality were non-negotiable,” says Hampel. Frequent movements in and out of vehicles, on ladders, steps and platforms must be as comfortable as possible.

That’s why employee satisfaction with daily workwear was central. The final decision to adopt Fristads garments was driven by extensive testing and direct employee feedback.

​​​​​​​“The workwear was introduced solely based on positive employee feedback after testing,” says Chaborski. “Compared to our previous clothing, Fristads multi-standard garments are much more comfortable, show less dirt, and create a better overall appearance.”

SHARED VALUES

Skytanking operates at more than 100 airports across 15 countries. Ethical sourcing and responsible production are priorities.
​​​​​​​
“This approach is firmly anchored in our Code of Conduct, and it aligns perfectly with Fristads,” says Hampel. Choosing Fristads allows Skytanking to meet the expectations of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), even beyond legal requirements.

READY FOR EVERY TAKE-OFF

Today, Skytanking’s teams rely on Fristads multi-standard workwear to perform safely and efficiently, shift after shift. The garments support freedom of movement, provide protection and are embraced by the people who wear them every day.
​​​​​​​
“It’s clear that a cheaper product with lower quality becomes more expensive in the long run. That’s why we would always choose Fristads,” Hampel concludes.

More content for you:

Scania

Together with the truck and bus manufacturer Scania, we have created a collection of workwear that is environmentally certified.
​​​​​​​

Read more >

How does it work?

How do you become a customer and create customised
​​​​​​​workwear?
​​​​​​​

Read more >

Green calculator

Now you can calculate the environmental impact of your
​​​​​​​workwear.
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Read more >