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Air Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morrison Express

Air Operations Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Other duties as assigned by management. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in related field. * Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, with experience in air and ocean operations ...

ITAGroup

Manager - Air Operations

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Manager - Air Operations The Manager - Air Operations leads a team of Event Air Managers in delivering high-quality air operations and support for our customers and their events. This leader oversees ...

ITA Group

Manager - Air Operations

Urbandale, IA · On-site

The Manager - Air Operations leads a team of Event Air Managers in delivering high-quality air operations and support for our customers and their events. This leader oversees and supports the team ...

ITA Group

Manager - Air Operations

Urbandale, IA · On-site

The Manager - Air Operations leads a team of Event Air Managers in delivering high-quality air operations and support for our customers and their events. This leader oversees and supports the team ...

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How much do air operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for air operations manager in the United States is $72,858.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Operations Manager, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, operational logistics, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or pilot’s license. Familiarity with air traffic control systems, flight management software, and scheduling tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for coordinating teams and responding to dynamic situations. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant air operations in a high-stakes environment.

What are Air Operations Managers?

Air Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of airline or airport activities. Their duties include managing staff, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, optimizing flight schedules, and maintaining safety standards. They work closely with pilots, air traffic controllers, ground staff, and other departments to ensure smooth and efficient air operations. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Air Operations Manager vs Flight Operations Coordinator?

AspectAir Operations ManagerFlight Operations Coordinator
CredentialsFAA certifications, aviation management experienceFAA certifications, flight operation knowledge
Work EnvironmentAirports, airline offices, aviation companiesAirports, airline operations centers
Industry UsageAirlines, cargo carriers, private aviationAirlines, charter services, corporate flight departments
Primary FocusOverseeing overall air operations, safety, complianceCoordinating flight schedules, logistics, and communication

The Air Operations Manager typically oversees the entire air operations, ensuring safety and compliance across flights, while the Flight Operations Coordinator handles daily flight scheduling and logistics. Both roles require aviation certifications and work within similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Air Operations Managers and how can they be addressed?

Air Operations Managers frequently encounter challenges such as coordinating flight schedules, managing safety protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and the ability to respond quickly to unexpected events like weather disruptions or technical issues. Effective communication with pilots, ground crew, and regulatory agencies is essential to resolve conflicts and maintain smooth operations. Staying current with industry regulations and investing in ongoing team training can help address these challenges proactively.
More about Air Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Air Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most Air Operations Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Air Operations jobs? The most popular types of Air Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Air Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Operations Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Air Operations Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Air Operations Manager jobs are:
Air Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Air Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,858 per year, or $35 per hour.
Air Operations Manager

Air Operations Manager

Morrison Express

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Role & Responsibilities:

  • Plan, monitor, direct, and assign workload to station staff.
  • Ensure freight is managed efficiently, including completion of correct documentation, fulfillment is completed, compliance requirements are met, customer SOPs are followed, costs are controlled, and accounts are billed and paid correctly.
  • Coach and train all station staff, including cross training employees, and ensuring staff complete all required MEC trainings on time.
  • Work closely with MEC sales, management, and other internal team member to respond promptly to customer needs, suggest and implement corrective action when issues arise, and take accountability for offering solutions when problems are presented.
  • Proactively assist other members of MEC in order to help MEC achieve its vision and strategic goals.
  • Daily report monitoring validating that KPIs are being met including but not limited to:
  • Properly filing AES
  • On Time Billing
  • Work with District Manager to monitor P&L, acting as a secondary owner for oversight and monitoring.
  • Maintaining and creating business relations with local vendors including but not limited to truckers and airline carriers.
  • For stations with warehouse operations, ensure proper understanding of the fundamentals of warehousing operations including validating that warehouse is adequate to support station operations.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in freight forwarding, with experience in air and ocean operations required.
  • Minimum 3 years of customer service experience, with demonstrated customer service standards that have exceeded expectations.
  • DG, Hazmat, TSA Certification.
  • Knowledge of Incoterms.
  • Experience handling bonded freight and out-of-gauge or project cargo required.
  • A basic understanding of the fundamentals of warehouse and trucking operations required.
  • Strong attention to detail, with the ability to respond to requests with urgency and take corrective action when problems arise.
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, while exercising sound judgement.
  • Must be self-motivated, customer-service oriented, and eager to ensure the success of the team.
  • Knowledge in Microsoft Office required, CW1 preferred.

MEC values our Total Rewards, and offers a competitive and elaborate Benefits Package including, but not limited to, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Sick, and Vacation. MEC reserves the right to amend, change, alter, and revise pay ranges and benefits offerings at any time. All applicants acknowledge that by applying to this position you understand that this specific pay range is contingent upon meeting the qualifications and requirements of the role, and for the successful completion of the interview selection and process. It is at the Company's discretion to determine what pay is provided to a candidate within the range associated with the role.

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