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Airline Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working at Frontier Airlines At Frontier, our mission is to Make Every Flight Count. That mission ... The Sr. SOC Operations Mgr, in collaboration with the Director, System Operations Control, will ...

Sr Mgr, SOC Operations

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Working at Frontier Airlines At Frontier, our mission is to Make Every Flight Count. That mission ... The Sr. SOC Operations Mgr, in collaboration with the Director, System Operations Control, will ...

$95K - $105K/yr

Operations Manager (Tower/Dock ) Job Location: San Francisco-USA-94128 Work Location Type: On-Site ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

New

This role manages operational teams, coordinates with airline partners, airport authorities, government agencies, and service providers, and ensures exceptional service delivery while maintaining ...

You'll manage timelines, budgets and regulatory approvals, ensuring we are ready for commercial ... What you'll do Lead and coordinate all aspects of the airline startup, ensuring operational ...

Showing results 21-40

Airline Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do airline operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for airline operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airline operations manager do?

An Airline Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an airline to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Their duties often include coordinating flight schedules, managing staff, handling disruptions such as delays or cancellations, and ensuring that all operational procedures meet both company standards and legal requirements. They serve as a crucial link between various departments such as ground staff, flight crew, and maintenance teams to guarantee smooth airline operations.

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

To thrive as an Airline Operations Manager, you need strong knowledge of aviation regulations, operational logistics, and a relevant degree such as in aviation management or business. Familiarity with airline operations software, flight scheduling systems, and safety compliance tools is typically required, along with certifications like IATA or FAA credentials. Outstanding leadership, crisis management, and communication skills help professionals excel in coordinating teams and responding to operational challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant airline operations in a dynamic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an airline operations manager, and how can they be addressed?

Airline Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as flight delays, crew scheduling conflicts, and unexpected disruptions like adverse weather or technical issues. Proactively addressing these requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with teams across departments, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Building strong relationships with ground staff, air traffic control, and maintenance teams is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Continuous training and investment in new technologies can also help in anticipating and mitigating operational issues.

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

AspectAirline Operations ManagerFlight Operations Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, management, or related field; certifications like IATA or FAA may be preferredOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some roles prefer aviation-related certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, manages staff, and coordinates airline operations at a strategic levelFocuses on scheduling, communication, and supporting flight crews and ground staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by airlines, airports, and aviation companies for operational oversightCommonly employed within airline operations teams to ensure flight readiness

While both roles are essential in airline operations, the Airline Operations Manager has a broader managerial scope, overseeing overall airline functions, whereas the Flight Operations Coordinator focuses on specific flight-related tasks and coordination. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the aviation industry.

More about Airline Operations Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Airline Operations Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Airline Operations Manager job openings:

What states have the most Airline Operations Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airline Operations Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Airline Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Summary


We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with strong airline and aviation services expertise to support short-term mobilization and implementation efforts tied to newly awarded airline RFPs. This temporary 3-month assignment is designed to provide rapid operational deployment and transition support following contract awards.

This role requires extensive travel and on-site presence at airport locations, playing a critical role in ensuring seamless startup execution, operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and successful service launches.

Assignment Duration

  • Temporary assignment: 3 months
  • Potential extension based on business needs and contract awards

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead contract startup and mobilization activities following airline RFP awards
  • Serve as the primary project lead coordinating cross-functional teams, including Operations, HR, Training, Safety, Finance, GSE, and Compliance
  • Develop, manage, and execute startup project plans, timelines, and key deliverables
  • Support station readiness efforts, including staffing, training, GSE deployment, uniforms, supplies, and vendor coordination
  • Ensure compliance with contract requirements, SLAs, CBAs, airport regulations, and applicable living wage ordinances
  • Act as the primary liaison between corporate leadership, station management, and airline partners
  • Identify operational risks and implementation gaps while developing mitigation strategies
  • Conduct onsite readiness assessments, go-live support, and post-launch operational reviews
  • Prepare executive-level startup reports, progress updates, and operational status communications

Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of project management experience within aviation, airline operations, ground handling, or airport services environments
  • Direct experience supporting airline contract startups, transitions, and RFP mobilizations
  • Strong understanding of airline operational structures and station staffing models
  • Experience working within unionized environments and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) preferred
  • Familiarity with airport authority regulations, compliance standards, and living wage ordinances
  • Proven ability to manage multiple operational workstreams under aggressive timelines

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong project planning and execution capabilities
  • Cross-functional leadership and coordination
  • Operational readiness and startup assessment expertise
  • Risk management and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to work independently in fast-paced, high-pressure operational environments

Travel Requirements

  • Extensive travel required
  • Ability to remain onsite at assigned airport locations for extended periods
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and irregular schedules during startup operations

Preferred Certifications (Not Required)

  • PMP or equivalent Project Management certification
  • Six Sigma or Lean experience is a plus

Work Environment

  • On-site airport operational environments
  • Fast-paced, customer-facing settings
  • High-visibility role supporting critical airline service launches and operational transitions