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LogisticsISCO 4323

Aircraft cargo operations coordinator

An aircraft cargo operations coordinator is a person who directs cargo handling at an airport: planning the loading, dividing work between terminal and ramp, and seeing that an aircraft departs with what it is meant to carry.

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Check yourself in a minute: aircraft cargo operations coordinator

Rate 5 of the 21 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

create solutions to problems

operate warehouse record systems

plan procedures for cargo operations

apply company policies

monitor security procedures in warehouse operations

About aircraft cargo operations coordinator

Planning rests on flight data. The coordinator reviews data on inbound flights, establishes what is arriving and when, and lays out the hours ahead on that basis: people, equipment, space in the terminal. The coordinator consults supervisory staff so that workers and equipment are available when loading and unloading happen.

Loading an aircraft has rules of its own. The coordinator directs the preparation of a load plan for every departing flight, knows aircraft cargo capacity and supervises loading, because cargo placed against the plan changes the balance of the aircraft. They also plan cargo handling procedures: the order, the securing, consignments needing special treatment.

The work takes in the warehouse as well. The coordinator manages warehouse operations and stock, operates warehouse goods recording systems and also coordinates baggage handling. Work in an airport's restricted area requires a pass and aviation security training, and dangerous goods are carried under the aviation rules for such cargo.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft cargo operations coordinator.

1

Plan and coordinate cargo loading operations

  • Review incoming flight data and cargo manifests to plan loading activities
  • Create detailed loading plans that optimize weight distribution and aircraft balance
  • Coordinate timing of loading and unloading operations to meet flight schedules
2

Direct ground handling teams and equipment

  • Assign tasks to ground crews and supervise cargo handling operations
  • Ensure that adequate equipment (loaders, containers, dollies) is available for operations
  • Confer with supervisory personnel to confirm workforce availability and equipment readiness
3

Ensure safety and regulatory compliance

  • Verify that all cargo handling activities comply with safety standards and aviation regulations
  • Monitor hazardous cargo handling procedures and documentation
  • Ensure proper securing and positioning of cargo to prevent damage and maintain stability
4

Communicate with stakeholders and departments

  • Coordinate with flight crews, customs, and ground services regarding cargo requirements
  • Report on loading operations and any delays or issues that arise
  • Communicate with shippers and freight forwarders regarding cargo status and delivery timelines

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (21)

aircraft cargo capacityaircraft cargo capacityThe capacity and the limits of the commissioned aircraft in terms of weight, type of cargo it can handle, and other cargo loading specifications.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...operate warehouse record systemsoperate warehouse record systemsOperate systems for recording product, packaging, and order information in specific formats and types of record.plan procedures for cargo operationsplan procedures for cargo operationsPlan a series of logistical procedures for cargo operations staff. Ensure the implementation of plans to the original specification.apply company policiesapply company policiesApply the principles and rules that govern the activities and processes of an organisation.monitor security procedures in warehouse operationsmonitor security procedures in warehouse operationsSupervise and enforce procedures for security purposes in warehouse operations.manage staffmanage staffManage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the wor...supervise unloading of cargosupervise unloading of cargoSupervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.supervise loading of cargosupervise loading of cargoSupervise the process of loading equipment, cargo, goods and other Items. Ensure that all cargo is handled and stored properly in accordance with regulations and standards.ensure public safety and securityensure public safety and securityImplement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.carry out navigational calculationscarry out navigational calculationsSolve mathematical problems to achieve safe navigation.work in an aviation teamwork in an aviation teamWork confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety,...follow airport safety proceduresfollow airport safety proceduresComply with airport safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of passengers.manage warehouse inventorymanage warehouse inventoryManage warehouse inventory and control storage and movement of warehouse goods. Monitor transactions such as shipping, receiving and putaway.apply numeracy skillsapply numeracy skillsPractise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.identify airport safety hazardsidentify airport safety hazardsSpot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.apply airport standards and regulationsapply airport standards and regulationsKnow and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. Apply knowledge to enforce airport rules, regulations, and the Airport Safety Plan.operate scientific measuring equipmentoperate scientific measuring equipmentOperate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.manage warehouse operationsmanage warehouse operationsManage warehouse operations such as delivering orders and maintaining stock. Control safety and risk prevention in the warehouse. Follow plans to maximise efficiency of the supply chain.warehouse operationswarehouse operationsThe basic principles and practices of warehouse operations such as goods storage and the organisation of warehouse facilities.conduct quality assurance checks on aircraft cargoconduct quality assurance checks on aircraft cargoConduct quality checks on cargo before loading commences of all aircraft; ensure the secure loading of all on-board cargo.
Optional (3) — show
write emergency instructions for handling of dangerous goodswrite emergency instructions for handling of dangerous goodsProvide written instructions on the handling of dangerous goods in an emergency. The instructions must be composed in a language that every crew member is able to understand.give instructions to staffgive instructions to staffGive instructions to subordinates by employing various communication techniques. Adjust communication style to the target audience in order to convey instructions as intended.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

airport director6 shared essential skillscommercial pilot5 shared essential skillsship captain5 shared essential skillswarehouse manager5 shared essential skillsairport baggage handler4 shared essential skillsairport operations officer4 shared essential skillsbaggage flow supervisor4 shared essential skillsground lighting officer4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an aircraft cargo operations coordinator do?

Aircraft cargo operations coordinators direct and coordinate air transport terminal cargo and ramp activities. They review data on incoming flights as to plan the working activities. They direct preparation of loading plans for each departing flight and confer with supervisory personnel to ensure workers and equipment are available for air cargo and baggage loading, unloading, and handling activities.

What skills does an aircraft cargo operations coordinator need?

An aircraft cargo operations coordinator needs 21 essential skills, including aircraft cargo capacity, create solutions to problems, operate warehouse record systems, plan procedures for cargo operations, apply company policies.

Will AI replace aircraft cargo operations coordinator jobs?

The AI disruption score for aircraft cargo operations coordinator is 45/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: operate warehouse record systems, aircraft cargo capacity, carry out navigational calculations. Most resilient: supervise unloading of cargo, work in an aviation team, give instructions to staff.

Quick Facts

SectorLogistics
ISCO GroupNumerical and material recording clerks
Essential Skills21

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