Engineering ServicesISCO 3154

Airport operations officer

Airport operations officers perform supervisory and administrative work monitoring operational activities on an assigned shift at a large airport. They ensure the safe take-off and landing of aircrafts.

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Check yourself in a minute: airport operations officer

Rate 5 of the 33 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate radio equipment

create solutions to problems

inspect airfield facilities

conduct safe aircraft marshalling

implement improvements in airport operations

About airport operations officer

As an airport operations officer, you will oversee critical operational activities on assigned shifts at large, complex airport facilities, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft movements while maintaining smooth terminal operations. You will supervise airside activities including aircraft marshalling, taxiing, and parking, working closely with pilots, ground crews, air traffic control, and various airport departments to coordinate seamless operations. Your role is essential to airport safety and efficiency, as you monitor runway conditions, manage obstacle control, conduct risk analyses, and respond to operational challenges and emergencies. You will manage staff, communicate instructions, and make real-time decisions that impact airport throughput and passenger experience. This supervisory position requires strong leadership, excellent communication, comprehensive knowledge of aerodrome operations, and the ability to work effectively under pressure during busy periods. With experience, you can progress to senior management roles overseeing entire airport operations or advance into specialized areas such as safety management or strategic planning.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a airport operations officer.

Airside Operations Supervision

Supervise and coordinate safe aircraft marshalling, taxiing, and parking operations
Monitor runway and taxiway conditions and manage airfield facility maintenance
Ensure compliance with aerodome manual specifications and implement improvements in airport operations

Safety Management and Risk Assessment

Conduct comprehensive risk analysis of airside operations and identify potential hazards
Implement airside safety procedures and monitor compliance with wildlife hazard management programmes
Identify and address airport safety hazards and coordinate emergency response procedures

Communication and Coordination

Operate radio equipment and use different communication channels to coordinate with air traffic control and ground crews
Communicate clear verbal instructions to aircraft operators and ground personnel
Coordinate with multiple airport departments and provide assistance to airport users

Staff Management and Operations Planning

Manage airport operations staff and ensure proper execution of assigned tasks and responsibilities
Manage aircraft parking areas and maintain aerodome equipment in operational condition
Inspect airside area facilities and manage obstacle control on and around airport runways

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

Ensure understanding and application of instructions of aerodome operations and dangers of marshalling activity
Create solutions to operational problems and document incidents and corrective actions

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Must-Have Skills (Advanced)

CommunicationAdvanced

Developing PeopleAdvanced

CollaborationAdvanced

Decision MakingAdvanced

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European Skills Framework

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

Essential (33)

instructions of aerodrome operationsinstructions of aerodrome operationsThe labels, signs and instructions for the supervision of airport operations.dangers of marshalling activitydangers of marshalling activityThe dangers and difficulties that accompany marshalling activity, including noise, dust, ingestions or vehicle collisions.operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in ...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...inspect airfield facilitiesinspect airfield facilitiesDirect and participate in the inspection of airfield facilities, including grounds, runways, fencing, taxiways, aircraft aprons, gate assignments, and service roadways, to assure safety, security, and...conduct safe aircraft marshallingconduct safe aircraft marshallingConduct safe marshalling of aircraft, adhere to apron markings and ensure accurate completion of associated paperwork or database entries.communicate verbal instructionscommunicate verbal instructionsCommunicate transparent instructions. Ensure that messages are understood and followed correctly.implement improvements in airport operationsimplement improvements in airport operationsCarry out improvement procedures in airport operations based on an understanding of the needs of an airport. Plan and develop improvement procedures using adequate resources.comply with specifications of aerodrome manualcomply with specifications of aerodrome manualFollow standards and specific prescriptions from the aerodrome manual, which contains characteristics, policies and procedures for the safe operation of the airport.perform risk analysisperform risk analysisIdentify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.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...provide assistance to airport usersprovide assistance to airport usersSupport and assist various types of airport customers.comply with wildlife hazard management programmescomply with wildlife hazard management programmesEnsure that animal hazard management programs are carried out appropriately. Consider the impact of wildlife on the performance of transport or industrial operations.manage aircraft parking areasmanage aircraft parking areasManage aircraft parking areas. Typically an airport has four different areas of aircraft parking: international aviation, domestic aviation, general aviation, and helicopters.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.maintain aerodrome equipmentmaintain aerodrome equipmentMaintain aerodrome equipment serviceability by performing continuous checks.implement airside safety proceduresimplement airside safety proceduresApply a series of airfield safety rules and procedures to ensure a safe working environment for airport crew.manage obstacle controlmanage obstacle controlHandle applications for temporary structures that are likely to last less than three months.inspect airside area facilitiesinspect airside area facilitiesEnsure that serviceability inspections are carried to effective standards and with appropriate regularity; conduct inspections and compose reports.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.manage car park operationsmanage car park operationsMonitor car park activities and parked vehicles.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.address potential aerodrome hazardsaddress potential aerodrome hazardsAddress potential aerodrome hazards such as foreign objects, debris, and wildlife interference.prepare notices to airmen for pilotsprepare notices to airmen for pilotsPrepare and file regular NOTAM briefings in the information system used by pilots; calculate the best possible way to use the available airspace; provide information on the potential hazards that may ...monitor aviation meteorologymonitor aviation meteorologyMonitor and interpret the information provided by weather stations to anticipate conditions that may affect airports and flights.conduct airport security screeningconduct airport security screeningMonitor passenger flow through the screening checkpoint and facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of passengers; inspect luggage and cargo following screening procedures.ensure adherence to aerodrome proceduresensure adherence to aerodrome proceduresEnsure that aerodrome procedures are conducted in accordance with all requirements.execute working instructionsexecute working instructionsUnderstand, interpret and properly apply work instructions regarding different tasks in the workplace.implement airside vehicle control provisionsimplement airside vehicle control provisionsImplement the provisions of the handbook for the movement of vehicles and persons airside.anticipate installation maintenanceanticipate installation maintenancePrepare resources and activities to execute installation maintenance, according to budget needs.supervise security at manned access gatessupervise security at manned access gatesEnsure that surveillance operations undertaken at manned access gates are carried out as effectively as possible.manage removal of disabled aircraftmanage removal of disabled aircraftManage, control, and coordinate operations for the safe removal of disabled aircraft. Cooperate with safety investigation team, and with airline/aircraft operator.airport environmental regulationsairport environmental regulationsThe official regulations for environmental standards in airports as dictated by national codes for planning airport facilities and related developments. These include regulatory aspects which govern n...

Optional (26) — show

leasing processleasing processThe leasing process, including any requirements, tenants, and legal conditions.air traffic control operationsair traffic control operationsThe procedures for organising air traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring smooth operations during flights, and the tasks performed by air traffic controllers, including Interaction and effective ...airport operating environmentairport operating environmentThoroughly understand the airport operating environment, the operational characteristics, services, activities, and procedures of a general aviation airport service area, as well as of those of the su...implement marketing strategiesimplement marketing strategiesImplement strategies which aim to promote a specific product or service, using the developed marketing strategies.follow ethical code of conduct in transport servicesfollow ethical code of conduct in transport servicesCarry out transport services according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes principles of fairness, transparency, and impartiality.mark differences in coloursmark differences in coloursIdentify differences between colours, such as shades of colour.comply with legal regulationscomply with legal regulationsEnsure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.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.apply business acumenapply business acumenTake appropriate actions in a business environment in order to maximise possible outcome from each situation.prepare airport annual budgetprepare airport annual budgetPrepare annual airport budget, taking into account factors such as fuel supplies, facilities maintenance, and communications.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,...apply strategic thinkingapply strategic thinkingApply generation and effective application of business insights and possible opportunities, in order to achieve competitive business advantage on a long-term basis.negotiate sales contractsnegotiate sales contractsCome to an agreement between commercial partners with a focus on terms and conditions, specifications, delivery time, price etc.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...implement strategic managementimplement strategic managementImplement a strategy for the development and transformation of the company. Strategic management involves the formulation and implementation of the major objectives and initiatives of a company by sen...listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...supervise maintenance activities in airportssupervise maintenance activities in airportsSupervise airport staff during operational and maintenance activities such as aeroplane refuelling, flight communications, runway maintenance, etc.maintain inventory of airport operationsmaintain inventory of airport operationsKeep an up-to-date inventory of all aspects of airport operations.implement sales strategiesimplement sales strategiesCarry out the plan to gain competitive advantage on the market by positioning the company's brand or product and by targeting the right audience to sell this brand or product to.address problems criticallyaddress problems criticallyIdentify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and a...have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.tolerate stresstolerate stressMaintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.show diplomacyshow diplomacyDeal with people in a sensitive and tactful way.plan event marketing for promotional campaignsplan event marketing for promotional campaignsDesign and direct event marketing for promotional campaigns. This involves face-to-face contact between companies and customers at a wide range of events, which engages them in a participatory positio...adopt a relaxed postureadopt a relaxed postureAdapt a posture that is relaxed and inviting to make the audience watch and listen to you attentively.have spatial awarenesshave spatial awarenessBe aware of your position and the space around you. Understand the relationship of objects around you when there is a change of position.

Related Occupations

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

airport director8 shared essential skills airport chief executive6 shared essential skills commercial pilot6 shared essential skills private pilot6 shared essential skills airside safety manager5 shared essential skills aviation surveillance and code coordination manager5 shared essential skills air traffic controller4 shared essential skills aircraft cargo operations coordinator4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an airport operations officer do?

What skills does an airport operations officer need?

An airport operations officer needs 33 essential skills, including instructions of aerodrome operations, dangers of marshalling activity, operate radio equipment, create solutions to problems, inspect airfield facilities.

Will AI replace airport operations officer jobs?

The AI disruption score for airport operations officer is 66/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: mark differences in colours, write work-related reports, maintain inventory of airport operations. Most resilient: tolerate stress, adopt a relaxed posture, listen actively.

AI Replacement Risk

66/ 100

High Risk

Low riskHigh risk

Skills most at risk from AI

mark differences in colours write work-related reports maintain inventory of airport operations

Skills resilient to automation

tolerate stress adopt a relaxed posture listen actively

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Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services

ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals

Essential Skills33

Core Skills4

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