Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with a diverse range of jobs catering to various skill sets, educational backgrounds, and experience levels. From customer-facing roles to technical positions, the airport industry offers a dynamic work environment with numerous career paths to explore. The type of work available depends on the size and nature of the airport, but some common job roles include:

- Customer service and coordinating positions: Ticketing agents, passenger assistants, and gate agents are the friendly faces of the airport, helping passengers with check-ins, boarding, and itinerary preparation.

- Manual labour jobs: Baggage handlers and ground handlers ensure the smooth handling of luggage and cargo, requiring physical strength and stamina to work in all weather conditions.

- Technical and maintenance roles: Avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, and maintenance technicians are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft and airport facilities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

- Security and safety positions: Airport security officers, TSA/TSO members, and airport police maintain the security and safety of passengers and staff, conducting screenings, checking baggage, and responding to potential threats.

- Air traffic control: Air traffic controllers monitor and direct aircraft movements, both on the ground and in the air, communicating with pilots and providing crucial instructions.

- Hospitality and retail: Airport cafes, restaurants, shops, and lounges provide a range of hospitality and retail jobs, offering customer service and convenience to travellers.

- Management and administration: Airport managers, operations managers, and administrators oversee the day-to-day operations, budgets, contracts, and compliance with regulations, ensuring the efficient functioning of the airport.

Airport Job Characteristics Table

Customer service and coordinating positions

Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with a wide range of customer service and coordinating positions that are essential to smooth operations and ensuring traveller satisfaction. These roles are often the first point of contact for passengers, providing assistance and a friendly welcome.

Ticketing/Gate Agents

Ticketing or Gate Agents are the face of the airline at the airport. They are responsible for greeting customers, checking baggage, and assisting with the ticketing and check-in process. They help customers prepare their itineraries and are often the first to interact with passengers, setting the tone for their travel experience.

Customer Service Agents

Customer Service Agents can be found throughout the airport, including at ticket counters, lobby areas, customs, and arrival/departure points. They are the go-to professionals for any queries or issues that passengers may have. These agents are adept at communication, proactive in their approach, and skilled at navigating challenging situations to ensure a positive customer experience.

Passenger Assistants

Passenger Assistants, also known as Passenger Service Agents, are customer service professionals who provide comprehensive assistance to travellers. Their duties include handling passenger check-ins, aiding with boarding and deplaning, and communicating essential travel information to passengers. They are the guiding hand that helps passengers navigate the airport and boarding process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Cabin Experience Agents

Cabin Experience Agents are responsible for ensuring that aircraft interiors meet the cleanliness and comfort standards expected by the airline. They inspect cabins before each flight, ensuring that the cabin environment is pleasant and hygienic for passengers.

Cargo Agents

Cargo Agents are the key intermediaries between the airline and customers with cargo or special items. They interact directly with customers, both face-to-face and over the phone, addressing their queries and concerns. These agents are responsible for the safe and timely handling of cargo and special items, ensuring they arrive at their destinations without delay.

Ground Services Team

The Ground Services Team plays a crucial role in overseeing ramp operations, baggage handling, cabin cleaning, and GSE (ground support equipment) maintenance. They are responsible for unloading and loading baggage, de-icing aircraft, and clearing windshields. Many positions within this team require a valid driver's license, involve heavy lifting, and working outdoors.

The diverse range of customer service and coordinating positions at airports ensures that travellers receive efficient, friendly, and professional assistance throughout their journey. These roles are vital in maintaining the smooth flow of airport operations and enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers.

Manual labour work

One common type of manual labour work at an airport is maintenance. Maintenance workers are responsible for performing various maintenance and repair tasks. This includes inspecting malfunctioning equipment, troubleshooting issues, fixing electrical and plumbing systems, replacing fixtures (such as light bulbs), monitoring and restocking supplies, and submitting reports to managers. Maintenance workers may also be required to operate vehicles and heavy machinery, such as weed whackers, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and bobcats. They may also need to conduct landscaping duties, such as mowing, trimming, and mulching. Strong communication skills are essential for maintenance workers, as they must be able to work proactively with their co-workers to ensure smooth and efficient workflows.

Another type of manual labour work at an airport is baggage handling. Baggage handlers, also known as ramp agents, are responsible for collecting, sorting, and checking luggage against flight lists to ensure that the correct items are loaded onto the right aircraft. They also transfer luggage from check-in areas to departure areas, move luggage to and from the aircraft, and load inbound luggage onto conveyors in the arrivals area. In snowy weather, baggage handlers also help to keep the runways clear of snow and other debris, as well as assisting with de-icing the aircraft. This role requires physical strength and stamina, as it involves a lot of standing, walking, and lifting heavy items.

Other types of manual labour work at an airport include vehicle operations, such as moving vehicles around the site and coordinating the safe and efficient movement of vehicles; and construction, which involves tasks such as assisting skilled tradesmen and performing remedial actions as required.

Technical positions

Avionics Technician

Avionics technicians are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment related to airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. They play a critical role in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew by verifying that all components are functioning correctly and do not require repairs. To become an avionics technician, individuals must complete an 18-month course offered by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved institution. The national average salary for this position is $62,358 per year.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Aircraft maintenance technicians are in charge of inspecting and performing maintenance, preventative maintenance, repairs, and alterations on aircraft and their systems. To obtain an FAA certification, candidates must either attend an aircraft maintenance program at an FAA-approved school or gain at least 18 months of hands-on experience working on airframes. Additionally, they must pass the FAA's written, oral, and practical exams to earn their license. The national average salary for aircraft maintenance technicians is $62,795 per year.

Aircraft Mechanic

Aircraft mechanics focus on performing repairs, preventative maintenance, and routine maintenance on a variety of aircraft, including planes and helicopters. Candidates for this position must graduate from an FAA-approved school for aircraft maintenance or gain at least 18 months of on-the-job experience. To become certified, individuals must pass the FAA's written, oral, and practical exams. Aircraft mechanics earn an average of $60,267 per year.

Systems Telecommunications Technician

Airports heavily rely on robust technological infrastructure for effective operations. Systems telecommunications technicians are responsible for ensuring the performance and functionality of critical systems, such as radios, control systems, and communication networks. This role requires technical expertise and a strong understanding of telecommunications infrastructure.

Airport Engineer

Airport engineers are engineering professionals specialising in the construction and maintenance of airport structures, including takeoff and landing areas. They conduct research, run tests, create designs, and develop structurally sound plans for airport facilities. Most airport engineers hold a master's degree in civil, mechanical, or structural engineering, along with prior experience in these fields. The national average salary for airport engineers is $79,724 per year.

Security roles

Airport Security Agent

An airport security agent is responsible for ensuring that passengers do not board a plane with unauthorized materials in their luggage. They are also in charge of screening passengers, conducting security checks, monitoring security measures, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all passengers.

To become an airport security agent, one must pass a background check and complete TSA training. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols are crucial for this role.

Airport Security Officer

Airport security officers, often referred to as security guards, are specialized professionals tasked with maintaining safety and security within an airport. They conduct thorough checks, such as hand inspections of cabin luggage and body searches, to prevent restricted items from entering secure areas. They also serve as a visible deterrent to potential threats, including theft and terrorism, reducing crime rates.

In addition to creating a safe and welcoming environment for passengers, security officers perform identity verification, routine patrols, and emergency response. They operate advanced security equipment like body scanners, X-ray machines, and metal detectors.

While specific educational qualifications may not be required, security officers need relevant security certifications, such as an SIA (Security Industry Authority) license. They must also undergo airport security training, which can vary in duration depending on the complexity of the security protocols and airport regulations.

Aviation Security Officers, Security Supervisors, Security Managers, and Operations Managers

These roles are part of the broader security framework at airports, working together to maintain a safe and efficient environment. Each position has its own specific responsibilities and requirements, contributing to the overall security and smooth operation of the airport.

Air Traffic Control Workers

While not directly under security roles, air traffic control workers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of airport operations. They direct planes for takeoff and landing, coordinate aircraft traffic, and communicate with pilots. Specialized training and a high school diploma or equivalent are typically required for these positions.

Managerial roles

Airport Manager

Airport managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an airport. Their duties include financial planning, vendor management, delay management due to weather conditions, customer complaint handling, and ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Airport managers typically have a bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation management, or a related field. Previous experience in airport security and management is often required, and additional certifications, such as the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation, are advantageous. Strong communication, leadership, and management skills are essential for success in this role.

Airport Operations Manager

The airport operations manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of an airport by coordinating with various stakeholders, including air traffic controllers, pilots, terminal agents, ground crews, and other staff. They are responsible for compliance with FAA regulations and ensuring the efficient movement of aircraft. This position typically requires a bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field, along with significant experience in aviation-related positions. Strong leadership and coordination skills are essential for this role.

Aviation Management

Senior positions in aviation management encompass a wide range of responsibilities, from overseeing the performance of an entire airline to managing specific departments. These roles require extensive industry knowledge and experience in airline or airport operations. Recruitment agencies are often utilized to fill these positions, leveraging their established relationships with employers.

Line Service Manager

While not explicitly mentioned, the role of a line service manager can be inferred from the duties of a line service technician. Line service technicians guide airplanes to and from the gate, check fluid levels, handle baggage, and assist in cleaning the planes. A line service manager would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of the technicians, ensuring efficient and timely operations.

Cargo/Logistics Manager

Although not specifically mentioned, the role of a cargo or logistics manager can be inferred from the presence of cargo service airports and the role of material handlers. Material handlers are responsible for loading and unloading cargo onto planes, requiring an understanding of different types of materials and products. A cargo or logistics manager would oversee these operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficient management of cargo logistics.

The above-mentioned managerial roles are just a few examples of the diverse opportunities available in airport and aviation management. Each position plays a critical part in ensuring the safe, efficient, and secure operation of airports and airlines, contributing to the overall travel experience of passengers worldwide.

Frequently asked questions