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Air Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$140K - $182K/yr

This National Guard position is for a AIR OPERATIONS OFFICER (PILOT/NAVIGATOR), Position ... Develops division policy for flight management personnel to insure effective and efficient ...

IL · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience with requirements management and development * Experience with air operations * Knowledge of munitions guidance, regulations, and policies * Ability to travel up to 25% of the time * Top ...

IL · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Experience with requirements management and development * Experience with air operations * Knowledge of munitions guidance, regulations, and policies * Ability to travel up to 25% of the time * Top ...

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Air Operations Manager information

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$36.5K

$72.9K

$108.5K

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:
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 Agent II

$25.20 - $35.60/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


AIT Worldwide Logistics rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Introduction
Join us at AIT, where we believe every day presents an opportunity to make a global impact!
We're problem solvers, driven by our curiosity and creativity, in endless pursuit of solutions for our customers. Together, we champion the strength of our global teams. And, as trusted advisors, we go above and beyond, working together in a supportive and collaborative environment to ensure customer satisfaction.
Through the company's continued growth, we challenge ourselves to be better, continuously learning and growing in our dynamic environment. Helping others is at the core of our culture, join us in finding fulfillment by giving back to our local communities as the united team that is AIT. Find out what our people deliver.® means when you come move the world with us!
Hear directly from our teammates at AIT Worldwide Logistics and make us the next stop on your career journey.
Overview
The Air Operations Agent II is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day air import and export of international freight forwarding shipments out of the USA of international transportation based upon customer requests.
Responsibilities
  • Work with customers to qualify their shipping requirements and obtain all details (regulations, certificates, documentation) necessary for shipment quotation and operating in order to ensure the customer's request is satisfied.
  • Prepare profitable quotations accurately.
  • Complete shipment process in Cargowise, including data entry, pickup/delivery scheduling, AES entry, airline bookings, routing, and operational milestone updates.
  • Coordinate the day-to-day air import and export of products, including reviewing orders and documents.
  • Track and communicate all delays, damages, problems, and work to resolve customer issues.
  • Responsible for all aspects of air import and export international operations such as customer service, data entry of shipments, operations and billing.
  • Manage all aspects of tracking shipments to ensure shipment is moving as scheduled and update system immediately upon verification. Identify and rectify if a shipment has deviated from its schedule.
  • Coordinate recovery/delivery schedules with various cartage agents and international partners.
  • Partner with local sales teams to communicate problems to customers, international partners and other stations, as needed.
  • Ensure all customers' SOP instructions are adhered to and AIT KPIs and guidelines are followed and met.
  • Ensure all shipments are properly billed within company guidelines and timelines.
  • Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned as business demands deem necessary.
  • The wage range for this position is $25.20-$35.60 and may vary based on geography as well as relative knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

Qualifications
  • A team player who works well with others - being respectful to our teammates is a Core Value
  • A strong work ethic with an appreciation for ownership, independence, accountability, and autonomy in your role
  • Growth mindset - being passionate about your craft, always looking for ways to improve yourself and the company, being open to change and doing things differently
  • Customer service focus - we serve a wide variety of customers, both internal and external, and building relationships is a part of our culture

Other Skills We Hope to See:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2-4 Years Freight Forwarding experience preferred
  • Dangerous Goods Certification preferred
  • Certified CargoWise Specialist CCO required
  • Advanced Knowledge of CargoWise
  • Advanced math & geography skills.
  • Identify and resolves problems.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to analyze numerical data and understand components, relationships, find patterns and draw conclusions.
  • Intermediate knowledge of freight movement, air vendors, air space configurations, container loads, special loading constraints, regulatory requirements, pricing, service routings, AIT product offerings, equipment types, incoterms, and shipment profitability.
  • Intermediate knowledge of country regulations and AIT policies & procedures that minimize risks to the customer and company.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide using units of currency, weight, volume, and distance measurements.
  • Basic to intermediate experience using MS Office
  • Applies acquired job skills and company policies and procedures to complete assigned tasks.
  • Ability to read, comprehend and write routine correspondence.
  • Ability to communicate and interact effectively with a variety of people; can effectively present information in one-on-one or small group settings.

What AIT Can Offer You
In addition to your base compensation, you may be eligible for a bonus based on achievement of business and/or individual performance metrics (dependent on position). Benefits offered include Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Supplemental Health, Employee Support, Paid Parental Leave, Pet Insurance, 401(k) and Tuition Reimbursement. In addition, teammates may be eligible for up to 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 2 personal days, 1 floating holiday, 5 sick days, 5 volunteer hours, and 6 company holidays (plus Veterans Day for Veterans) annually.
About AIT Worldwide
AIT Worldwide Logistics is a global freight forwarder that helps companies grow by expanding access to markets all over the world where they can sell and/or procure their raw materials, components and finished goods. For more than 40 years, the Chicago-based supply chain solutions leader has relied on a consultative approach to build a global network and trusted partnerships in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, consumer retail, energy, food, government, high-tech, industrial, life sciences and marine. Backed by scalable, user-friendly technology, AIT's flexible business model customizes door-to-door deliveries via sea, air, ground and rail-on time and on budget. With expert teammates staffing more than 150 worldwide locations in Asia, Europe and North America, AIT's full-service options also include customs clearance, warehouse management and white glove services.
AIT Worldwide Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veterans/Disabled. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact Human Resources at 630-766-8300 ext 5218.

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