Roberta Aguirre
An airport duty manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an airport, including airfield, terminal, and landside activities. They act as the central point of contact for all airport stakeholders during their shift, including airlines, ground handling agents, security personnel, and emergency services. The role requires strong leadership and management skills, as well as the ability to make quick decisions under pressure and ensure the safety and security of passengers, tenants, and employees. Airport duty managers also work with other departments to increase revenue and improve the overall airport experience for customers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | To oversee day-to-day operations of the airport, including airfield, terminal and landside |
| Leadership | Provides leadership, direction and support to other departments during irregular or emergency operations |
| Safety | Ensures the safety and security of passengers, tenants and employees |
| Liaison | Serves as a liaison between the airport and contractors during construction activities |
| Coordination | Coordinates the airport's response to critical incidents, emergencies and irregular operations |
| Communication | Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing |
| Qualifications | Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, aviation management, airway science, public administration, business administration or a related field |
| Experience | Four years of experience in airport security, terminal airport operations or airside airport operations, including two years in a leadership/supervisory capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Safety and security
Ensuring the safety and security of passengers, tenants, employees, and aircraft is a critical aspect of an airport duty manager's role. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the airport, including the airfield, terminal, and landside, during their shift. This involves coordinating and monitoring all functions to ensure compliance with airport policies, procedures, regulations, and standards, as well as maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Airport duty managers work with security agencies and implement safety protocols and guidelines to safeguard the airport, aircraft, and passengers. They conduct regular safety and security inspections of the aircraft operating area and terminal facilities, adhering to relevant regulations and directives. During these inspections, they identify any deficiencies and take corrective actions to maintain safety standards. This includes ensuring that critical equipment, such as gates, ticket counters, jet bridges, and baggage carousels, is available during emergencies and irregular operations.
In the event of critical incidents, irregular operations, or emergencies, airport duty managers take on a leadership role. They coordinate the airport's response, manage the Department Operations Center (DOC), and provide resolutions to problems. This includes handling security-related activity, security breaches, and violations of rules and regulations. Duty managers are expected to make immediate and vital decisions regarding safety issues, even under stressful and time-sensitive conditions.
Additionally, airport duty managers serve as liaisons during construction and maintenance activities, ensuring that safety and security are maintained. They issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) to advise all parties of airfield conditions, including pavement, weather, and other relevant factors. They also act as representatives of airport management in the absence of senior managers, providing leadership and direction to other departments during irregular operations or emergencies.
To qualify for this position, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, aviation management, or airway science, along with several years of experience in airport security, terminal operations, or airside operations, with a portion of that time spent in a leadership or supervisory role.
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Leadership and management
A key aspect of leadership in this position is the ability to provide clear direction and guidance to operations staff, ensuring a safe and secure environment for travellers, tenants, and employees. This involves implementing safety protocols, conducting regular inspections, and coordinating responses to critical incidents, emergencies, and irregular operations. Airport duty managers must also possess strong decision-making skills, enabling them to address safety issues and make timely decisions under pressure.
Effective management of resources is another critical component of this role. Airport duty managers allocate shared-use equipment, such as gates and baggage carousels, to ensure their availability during emergencies and irregular operations. They also manage staff resources, providing leadership, instruction, and support to their team, as well as other departments, during challenging situations.
Excellent communication skills are vital for airport duty managers. They must communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including senior management, airlines, ground handling agents, security personnel, and emergency services. Clear communication ensures smooth coordination and facilitates problem-solving. Additionally, airport duty managers may represent the airport and the city in meetings, boards, and commissions, further emphasizing the importance of strong communication and leadership skills.
Airport duty managers are also involved in financial aspects, contributing to financial goal-setting and revenue generation. They may work with other departments to increase income through various means, such as passenger services, fees, and advertisements. This financial management aspect requires a combination of leadership and business acumen.
Overall, the role of an airport duty manager demands strong leadership and management capabilities. It requires overseeing and coordinating airport operations, ensuring safety and security, managing resources, providing direction during emergencies, effective communication, and contributing to financial goals. Successful candidates typically have a strong background in airport operations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
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Operations and maintenance
Operations
Airport duty managers oversee all shift activities, including daily airport operations. They coordinate with airlines, ground handlers, and security teams to ensure smooth functionality. They also monitor terminal and airside activities, managing staff and resources. This includes monitoring and approving the use of shared-use equipment, such as gates, ticket counters, jet bridges, and baggage carousels, to ensure critical equipment is available during emergencies and irregular operations.
Duty managers also serve as a liaison between the airport and contractors during construction activities, coordinating and directing maintenance and construction work on runways, taxiways, and terminal facilities. They ensure safety and security during these activities and issue Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) to advise all parties of airfield conditions.
Maintenance
Airport duty managers are responsible for the safety and security of the airport, its facilities, grounds, and properties. They inspect and patrol these areas to ensure regulatory compliance with relevant procedures, regulations, and policies. This includes compliance with the Airport Certification Manual, the Airport Security Plan, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, and Snow and Ice Control Plan, among others. They report discrepancies and take corrective actions as necessary, ensuring the operational efficiency and safety of the airport.
Duty managers also perform standard safety and security inspections of aircraft operating areas and terminal facilities, complying with FAA, TSA, and other relevant regulations and directives. They direct necessary responses and corrective actions for any deficiencies noted during inspections. Additionally, they coordinate the airport's response to critical incidents, irregular operations, and emergencies, providing resolutions to problems and serving as incident commanders.
Skills and Qualifications
The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, as well as the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Airport duty managers should have a background in airport operations and knowledge of aviation regulations and safety standards. They may also be required to have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and several years of experience in airport operations and management.
Working Conditions
The position involves shift work, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is performed in office, terminal, and airfield environments. It requires regular exposure to construction equipment and aircraft engine noise, as well as occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions and de-icing chemicals. Travel is also a regular part of the job, with local and extended travel requirements.
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Customer service and experience
An airport duty manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an airport, including the airfield, terminal, and landside, during their shift. They act as the central point of contact for all airport stakeholders, including airlines, ground handling agents, security personnel, and emergency services.
Airport duty managers also play a crucial role in emergency situations, providing leadership and direction to resolve critical incidents and ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff. They coordinate the airport's response to emergencies and irregular operations, ensuring that critical equipment, such as gates, ticket counters, jet bridges, and baggage carousels, is available. They also work with security agencies and conduct safety and security inspections to maintain the safety and security of the airport.
In addition to their operational and emergency management responsibilities, airport duty managers may also be involved in financial goal-setting and improving the airport's financial performance. They work with other departments to increase revenue through various sources, such as passenger services, fees, rent, and advertisements. Airport duty managers may also manage and mentor a team of assistant managers, junior executives, clerks, and other staff, providing direction and support during irregular operations.
Overall, the role of an airport duty manager is dynamic and fast-paced, requiring strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure to ensure a safe and positive experience for all airport users.
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Qualifications and experience
A duty airport manager is a senior role that requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, aviation management, airway science, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Some airports may require additional qualifications, such as the Global Safety Network (GSN) Diploma Program, which enhances professional credentials in airport safety.
The role also requires several years of experience in airport operations, with a focus on security and leadership. The exact number of years varies, but typically, employers look for candidates with around four years of experience in airport security or operations, with at least two years in a leadership or supervisory position. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of airport policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as a commitment to operational excellence and financial performance.
Prior airport operations or air traffic control experience is highly beneficial for this role. This includes knowledge of aviation industry practices and procedures, human resource management, government policies, aviation laws, and contract management protocols. Familiarity with technical and mechanical aspects, such as reading and interpreting technical data, is also important.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. Airport duty managers must be able to effectively coordinate with various stakeholders, including security agencies, contractors, and other airport personnel, to ensure the safety and security of the airport, aircraft, and passengers. They must also possess strong leadership skills to provide direction and instruction during critical incidents, operational activities, and emergencies.
Additionally, organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure are crucial. Duty airport managers need to handle sensitive information, make timely decisions, and manage multiple responsibilities with accuracy and speed, especially in time-sensitive situations. They must also be proficient in using relevant software programs and have a good understanding of airport technology.
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Frequently asked questions
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as criminal justice, aviation management or airway science is often required, as well as several years of experience in airport security or operations.
An airport duty manager oversees the day-to-day operations of an airport, including airfield, terminal and landside. They ensure the safety and security of passengers, tenants and employees, and coordinate the airport's response to critical incidents and emergencies.
Leadership skills are essential, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are also important. Knowledge of aviation industry practices and procedures is required, as well as an understanding of human resource management and government policies.
Shift work including days, nights, weekends and holidays is common. Work is performed in an office, terminal and on the airfield, and there is regular exposure to aircraft engine noise and exhaust. There may also be occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions and de-icing chemicals.
Key responsibilities include providing a safe and secure environment for the public, coordinating and monitoring all functions to ensure work is performed in accordance with airport policies and regulations, and representing the airport at meetings and on boards.
