Sachin Walls
Airports are bustling hubs that require a multitude of personnel to ensure smooth operations. From customer service and aircraft maintenance to retail and dining, the airport offers a diverse range of career opportunities. The sheer number of employees required to manage various aspects of airport operations is evident in the example of Denver International Airport, which employs approximately 40,000 people, making it one of the largest job generators in Colorado. Similarly, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport boasts a workforce of over 57,000 individuals. This underlines the fact that airports are significant employers, often offering a wide range of job opportunities, from part-time flexible schedules to full-time careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of employees | Denver International Airport: 40,000 |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: 57,000+ | |
| Job opportunities | Part-time, full-time, internships |
| Job types | Customer service, operations, support, retail, dining, janitorial, warehousing, HVAC mechanics, massage therapists, sales associates, contract managers, aircraft services, transportation security, aviation director |
| Pay | Starting pay of at least $19.45/hour at Southwest Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
Customer service roles
Working in airport customer service involves interacting with passengers and ensuring they have a seamless, positive experience before, during, and after their flights. This could include answering customers' questions, resolving complaints, aiding passengers with special needs, guiding them through the check-in process, and assisting with baggage reclaim. Given that airports operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this often involves working non-traditional hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Airport customer service roles require excellent communication skills, including clear and concise verbal communication and the ability to explain safety procedures to passengers. Patience and empathy are also vital in managing customer interactions effectively. Some job roles might require lifting or carrying luggage, and all roles involve a fair amount of standing and walking. Attention to detail is crucial, whether checking travel documents or logging luggage data. While some roles only require a high school diploma, others may require further training or qualifications.
There are many opportunities for career progression in airport customer service. Initial positions often lead to supervisory or management roles, with the experience gained along the way. Candidates can also choose to work at call centres as customer service representatives, where they handle customer complaints, queries, and questions.
To become an airport customer service agent, it is beneficial to gain relevant experience in fields such as event management, reception, or call centres. Proficiency in foreign languages is also advantageous. Airport customer service agents are responsible for responding to customer inquiries, either over calls or in person at the airport. They help customers compare airlines and other services, advise clients about the best options for their needs, and assist with calculating discounts on flight bookings.
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Aircraft services
One critical aspect of aircraft services is customer service. Customer service teams are often referred to as the "front lines" of the airport, as they are the first point of contact for passengers. These roles require individuals who enjoy interacting with people and can provide a pleasurable and friendly journey for customers. Customer service agents may assist with queries, offer guidance, and ensure passengers' comfort and safety.
Another important role within aircraft services is the fleet service team. These agents work on the ramp, ensuring the smooth operation of baggage and cargo services. They are responsible for loading and unloading baggage, as well as guiding aircraft for takeoff. Fleet service agents need to be able to work efficiently and effectively to ensure on-time departures and arrivals.
Aircraft cleaning and fuelling are also essential services. These roles involve preparing aircraft for their journeys by ensuring they are clean and have sufficient fuel. This includes tasks such as aircraft de-icing, which is crucial for safe operations in colder climates.
Additionally, security positions play a vital role in aircraft services. Security officers control access to planes and restricted areas, ensuring the safety of passengers, staff, and the airport facility. These roles often require specific licenses and the ability to remain calm and vigilant in stressful situations.
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Airport operations
Roles and Departments
The airport operations team is the frontline of the business, with roles including customer service, ramp and fleet services, and cargo handling. These employees are responsible for ensuring a pleasurable journey for passengers, from the first welcome to the smooth running of baggage and cargo services.
Other operational roles include aircraft fuelling, aircraft cleaning, and de-icing. These roles are essential to ensure aircraft are ready for their journeys and are often provided by airport tenants.
Internships and Programs
Some airports offer internships in various departments, including operations, planning and design, engineering, and marketing. For instance, Denver International Airport (DEN) offers internships in these areas, as well as in business technologies, asset management, and commercial relations.
Additionally, DEN has an Ambassador program with volunteer teams to assist passengers as they navigate the airport. This program includes four different schemes to fit the interests and skills of the volunteers.
Perks and Benefits
Airports often provide a range of perks and benefits for their employees. For instance, DEN offers career opportunities in retail, dining, and service jobs, with lots of perks available in concessions careers. Similarly, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has an Airport Worker Child Care Scholarship Program, providing safe and affordable childcare for its workers.
Job Requirements
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Internships
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for example, offers a variety of internship programs for students and recent graduates. These include the FAA Volunteer Service Program, which provides an opportunity for college, high school, technical, or vocational students to experience the world of aviation through educational work assignments. The FAA also offers the Airway Transportation Systems Specialists Gateways Program, as well as internships in the Office of the Chief Counsel, which provides legal services and representation to the FAA.
In addition to the FAA, individual airports also offer internships. For example, the Denver International Airport (DEN) offers internships in various departments, including operations, planning and design, business technologies, asset management, commercial relations, engineering, and marketing. Colorado Springs Airport (COS) also offers internships in airport operations, properties, planning, and construction.
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is another organization that offers internships in the airport industry. They provide a platform for students and recent graduates to connect with employers and find internship opportunities.
Lastly, specific airport companies and airlines may also offer internships. For example, internships may be available with airport retailers, dining services, or ground handling companies. These opportunities may be advertised on job platforms or on the websites of specific companies operating at the airport.
Overall, internships are a fantastic way to gain experience and get a taste of the airport industry. They can provide valuable skills, knowledge, and connections that can benefit those interested in a career in aviation.
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Executive roles
Airports are usually operated by a director or manager who report to either the private owners of the airport or local government authorities. The airport manager must be competent in a variety of areas, including public relations, economics, business management, civil engineering, personnel management, labour relations, and politics. They should also have a good understanding of the needs and concerns of the various users of the airport, including aircraft operators, concessionaires, and the general public.
Managers of small airports may advance to assistant director jobs at larger airports or move up to the position of commissioner of airports or a state-level job concerned with state regulation of airports. Appointments are frequently based on political activity and connections, especially if the job is not under state or federal regulations governing civil service. To gain accredited airport executive status, one must become an affiliate member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). Affiliate membership is open to anyone with active responsibility for the management or administration of a public airport. As an affiliate, with at least one year of experience in airport management, one may declare their intention of becoming an accredited airport executive. If you are 21 or older and have a four-year college degree, you may then be reclassified as an executive candidate member. Executive candidates lacking a degree may substitute civil airport managerial experience on a 2-for-1 basis, with a total of eight years of experience equalling a four-year degree.
Some unique roles at airports include:
- Meteorologists: Airports employ degree-qualified meteorologists for air traffic and ground operations reasons. They must consider conditions like snow, ice, extreme heat, and micro downbursts when designing and operating airports.
- IT/Cybersecurity: Information system specialists are needed to protect critical information systems within aviation.
- Technicians: Technicians are responsible for maintaining complex ATC systems such as radar, ILS, ground radar, and other electronic information systems.
- Scheduling Coordinators: These coordinators manage the windows of operation approved for airlines at airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are always job opportunities at the airport. Airports are bustling hubs that require a large number of personnel to function, hence they are often hiring. For example, Denver International Airport employs approximately 40,000 people, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport employs over 57,000 people.
A wide range of jobs are available at the airport, including customer service, operations, support, janitorial, warehousing, and ramp services. Airports also offer internships in various departments, including operations, planning and design, business technologies, and marketing. Additionally, there are career opportunities with the airlines that operate within the airport, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
Working at an airport provides a dynamic and exciting work environment with opportunities for both part-time flexible schedules and full-time careers. Some airports, like Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, have initiatives like the Airport Worker Child Care Scholarship Program, which provides safe and affordable childcare for airport workers.
The qualifications and requirements vary depending on the specific job role and the airport. However, most airports and airlines promote equal employment opportunities and consider all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
