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Airline Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ABX Air

ABX Airline Ops Intern

Wilmington, OH · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

The Airline Operations Intern provides cross-functional support within a Part 121 Supplemental airline environment. This internship includes a structured two-week rotation within Flight Operations ...

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$34K

$48.5K

$75.5K

How much do airline operations jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for airline operations in the United States is $48,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Airline Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Airline Operations, you need a solid understanding of aviation regulations, logistics, and scheduling, often supported by a degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airline management systems, flight planning software, and industry-specific certifications like IATA or FAA credentials are typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and resolving issues promptly. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and on-time airline operations, which are vital for passenger satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

How does a professional in Airline Operations typically collaborate with other airport and airline teams during irregular operations or disruptions?

In Airline Operations, collaboration during irregular operations—such as delays, weather disruptions, or mechanical issues—is crucial. Professionals in this role work closely with flight crews, ground staff, dispatchers, air traffic control, and customer service teams to ensure safety and minimize passenger inconvenience. Communication is often fast-paced and requires clear coordination to adjust flight schedules, allocate crews, and arrange alternative travel solutions. Building strong relationships across departments and staying calm under pressure are key to successfully managing these challenges.

What are airline operations?

Airline operations refer to the activities and processes involved in managing the day-to-day functions of an airline. This includes flight scheduling, crew management, aircraft maintenance, passenger services, baggage handling, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The goal of airline operations is to ensure safe, timely, and efficient flights while maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing costs. Professionals in this field coordinate with multiple departments to handle both routine and unexpected challenges, such as weather disruptions or maintenance issues.

What is the difference between Airline Operations vs Airline Dispatch?

AspectAirline OperationsAirline Dispatch
CredentialsTypically requires a background in aviation, certifications like FAA Airman Certificate, and operational trainingRequires an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and specific dispatch training
Work EnvironmentInvolves coordination across departments, on the ground, and in the control tower or operations centerPrimarily works in dispatch offices, coordinating flight plans and weather assessments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across airline companies for overall flight and ground operationsSpecific to flight planning and safety, working closely with pilots and flight crews

Airline Operations encompasses the overall management of airline activities, including scheduling, ground services, and safety procedures. Airline Dispatch focuses specifically on planning flights, ensuring safety, and compliance with regulations. While both roles require aviation certifications and involve coordination, Airline Operations has a broader scope, whereas Airline Dispatch specializes in flight planning and safety oversight.

More about Airline Operations jobs
What cities are hiring for Airline Operations jobs? Cities with the most Airline Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airline Operations jobs? The most popular types of Airline Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Airline Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Airline Operations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airline Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airline Operations jobs are:
Airline Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airline Operations job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,513 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Director, Airline Operations

Innovative Handling Solutions, LLC

Minneapolis, MN

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 annually
The Director of Airline Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and compliance of all ground handling operations at MSP. This role ensures safe, efficient, and customer-focused execution across ramp, passenger service, cleaning and related operational functions while meeting airline partner expectations and regulatory requirements.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide strategic and tactical leadership to achieve company and operational goals
  • Lead and promote a safety-first culture, ensuring a secure work environment and full compliance with all regulatory and company standards
  • Own operational performance, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across all functions
  • Serve as a key contributor to the company safety program, driving accountability and continuous improvement
  • Lead irregular operations (IROPs), including weather events, delays, and diversions, with decisive and coordinated response
  • Ensure full compliance with airline-specific procedures, audits, and contractual obligations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with airline partners, airport authorities, and regulatory agencies
  • Act as the primary liaison between the company, customers, and government entities
  • Lead airline performance reviews and service-level discussions, ensuring expectations are met or exceeded
  • Provide input and operational expertise for RFP responses and business development efforts
  • Develop, lead, and hold accountable operations managers, supervisors, and frontline leadership
  • Drive employee performance, engagement, and retention through coaching, training, and mentoring
  • Foster and maintain a positive, accountable, and high-performance culture
  • Ensure effective communication across all departments to support operational alignment
  • Own workforce planning, including staffing levels, scheduling strategy, and labor cost control
  • Track, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including on-time performance, baggage handling, safety, and customer satisfaction
  • Resolve escalated service and operational issues in a timely and effective manner
  • Partner with executive leadership to ensure alignment on goals, priorities, and performance expectations
  • Ensure all operations are conducted in accordance with company policies, procedures, and applicable laws
  • Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of airline or ground handling operations experience
  • 3+ years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for multi-functional teams
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale operations (staffing, multiple flights/airlines, complex environments)
  • Strong knowledge of ramp operations, aircraft servicing, passenger service operations, and Safety Management Systems (SMS)
  • Experience in multi-airline contract environments with an understanding of service-level expectations
  • Proven ability to lead during irregular operations (IROPs) and make decisions in high-pressure situations
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage frontline employees, leadership, and external partners
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate customer needs to anticipate potential business opportunities
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal history background check
  • Subject to non-DOT drug and/or alcohol testing
  • Flexibility for irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with on-call availability for operational needs
BENEFITS
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing
  • Free Parking
  • Life Insurance
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage, HSA
  • 401K
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Travel benefits when requested and approved

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