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Airline Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

wearegat

Airline Customer Service Agent

Eugene, OR

Use airline computer systems to provide flight arrival and departure information, ticketing and ... Work independently without direct supervision. Requirements: * Must be at least 18 years of age

Jobs on Cash

Airline Catering Driver

Deerfield, IL · On-site

Job Title: Airline Catering Driver Duration: Permanent Job Type: Full-time The Airline Catering ... Loading, unloading, guiding, and directing aircraft cargo * Transporting cargo safely and on time ...

wearegat

Airline Customer Service Agent

Eugene, OR

Use airline computer systems to provide flight arrival and departure information, ticketing and ... Work independently without direct supervision. Requirements: * Must be at least 18 years of age

wearegat

Airline Customer Service Agent

Eugene, OR · On-site

Use airline computer systems to provide flight arrival and departure information, ticketing and ... Work independently without direct supervision. Requirements: * Must be at least 18 years of age

wearegat

Airline Customer Service Agent

Eugene, OR · On-site

Use airline computer systems to provide flight arrival and departure information, ticketing and ... Work independently without direct supervision. Requirements: * Must be at least 18 years of age

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$46.5K

$91.8K

$139.5K

How much do airline director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for airline director in the United States is $91,826.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airline director do?

An Airline Director is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the overall operations, strategy, and management of an airline company. Their duties include setting company policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing budgets, and developing business strategies to improve profitability and customer satisfaction. They work closely with other executives and department heads to coordinate activities such as flight operations, safety, marketing, and customer service. Airline Directors also represent the airline in negotiations and partnerships within the industry.

What is the difference between Airline Director vs Airline Operations Manager?

AspectAirline DirectorAirline Operations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in aviation, business, or related field; extensive industry experienceBachelor's degree; experience in airline operations or management
Work EnvironmentExecutive offices, airline headquarters, strategic planning settingsOperational hubs, airline offices, on-site at airports
ResponsibilitiesOversees airline strategy, financial performance, and high-level decision-makingManages daily operations, staff, and ensures compliance with regulations

The Airline Director focuses on strategic leadership and overall airline performance, while the Airline Operations Manager handles daily operational activities. Both roles require industry knowledge, but the Director has a broader, more executive scope, whereas the Operations Manager is more hands-on with daily functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airline director?

To thrive as an Airline Director, you need extensive knowledge of airline operations, regulatory compliance, and business management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in aviation, business, or a related field. Familiarity with airline management software, safety management systems (SMS), and certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or relevant management credentials are often required. Exceptional leadership, strategic decision-making, and communication skills set successful Airline Directors apart. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and driving the airline's long-term growth and competitiveness.

What is an airline director?

An airline director is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the overall operations, strategy, and management of an airline. They coordinate departments such as flight operations, safety, customer service, and finance, often requiring leadership skills, industry knowledge, and relevant certifications. The role involves ensuring compliance with aviation regulations and maintaining airline profitability.

What are some common challenges faced by an airline director when overseeing multiple departments?

An Airline Director often encounters the challenge of aligning various departments—such as operations, customer service, safety, and finance—to achieve unified goals while maintaining regulatory compliance. Balancing cost control with high-quality service and safety standards requires strong leadership and effective communication across teams. Additionally, adapting quickly to industry changes, such as fluctuating fuel prices or new aviation regulations, is essential to ensure the airline remains competitive and efficient.

How to become an airline director?

To become an airline director, candidates typically need extensive experience in airline management, operations, or related fields, often requiring a bachelor's degree in aviation, business, or a related discipline. Many airline directors have advanced degrees and demonstrate strong leadership, strategic planning, and industry knowledge, along with certifications such as airline management or safety training. Progressing to this role usually involves climbing through managerial positions and gaining a comprehensive understanding of airline operations and regulations.
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Airline Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airline Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,826 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Director of Transportation (Airline Catering)

SkyChefs

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Director of Transportation (Airline Catering) 
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016 
Work Location Type: On-Site 
 

About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
Job Summary

Keep one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs moving.

We are seeking a strategic, operationally driven Director of Transportation, Airline Catering & Planning to lead transportation, dispatch, airport catering operations, planning and airline service execution for our Chicago operations. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced, airline, ground operations, or airline catering transportation professional who thrives in a fast-paced 24/7 environment.

You will serve as the critical link between airline operations, catering production, dispatch teams, transportation resources, and station leadership—ensuring the right products reach the right aircraft at the right time, every time.

Why This Role Matters

Every flight departure depends on flawless coordination. As Director, you will oversee the transportation operations & dispatch planning and execution that drives on-time catering performance, fleet efficiency, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction across a complex airline network.

Location: Our Chicago Hub is located in Des Plaines, IL near Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Benefits: No waiting period, eligible as of Day 1. 

Main Accountabilities
  • Develop the transportation department strategy and lead all transportation operational activities including:  site to aircraft delivery, onboard catering, dispatch, and dock for a 24/7 operation.
    • Align catering logistics plans with airline schedules, flight changes, and operational requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, security, and airline-specific requirements.
  • Partner with airline Operations Control Centers (OCC), station leadership, and catering facilities to ensure seamless execution.
  • Manage operational planning for daily operations, schedule changes, peak periods, and irregular operations (IROPs).
  • Establish processes for fleet utilization, route optimization, and labor efficiency.
  • Manage third-party transportation partners and service agreements where applicable.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • 8-10+ years in airline, airline catering, ground operations, logistics, dispatch,
  • Experience supporting airline operations and understanding flight scheduling dynamics.
  • Strong operational leadership experience in a 24/7 environment.
  • Experience managing dispatch, transportation, routing, and service delivery functions.

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. 

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