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Airline Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$119K - $148K/yr

Senior. Operations Manager - Airline Catering Job Location: Jamaica-USA-11430 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $119,000.00 - 148,000.00 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary ...

The Operations Manager serves as a visible leader on the floor, ensuring operational excellence ... Ensure all frontline team members are trained on customer service standards, airline and airport ...

... airline support products industry. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong operational and financial experience, the ability to manage multiple projects and production workflows, and a ...

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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 May 31, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airline Operations Manager, and why are they important?

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Airline Catering Operations Supervisor

Airline Catering Operations Supervisor

GAT Airline Ground Support

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


GAT Airline Ground Support rating

3.7

Company rating: 3.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 52 rated aviation services


Job description

SkyCafe - A GAT Company is seeking an experienced and motivated Supervisor to join our dynamic team. The Supervisor plays a critical role in leading the daily operations of our airline catering services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality standards are met while upholding a positive and professional work environment.
This position requires working in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment to support scheduled airline arrivals and departures. The ideal candidate leads by example, communicates clearly, and promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
  • Enforce compliance with company policies, including uniform standards, appearance, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
  • Supervise all flight-related activities on the warehouse floor; remain in close proximity to assigned flights to ensure safety and timeliness.
  • Delegate daily responsibilities across warehouse team members and monitor execution.
  • Conduct pre-arrival and departure operational and safety briefings; ensure proper setup and preparation.
  • Oversee the correct loading of aircraft in accordance with airline SOPs.
  • Monitor and ensure the use of hearing protection, safety vests, and performance of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) walks.
  • Manage daily scheduling and team member rotation to meet operational needs.
  • Report any aircraft or flight issues directly to the flight crew in a timely manner.
  • Complete and submit safety reports (Intelex/SMS) within 3 hours of any incident.
  • Maintain and audit logs: Daily Flight Reports (DFRs), catering logs, temperature records, and equipment documentation.
  • Coordinate and verify the release of catering, bond, and commissary items per flight requirements.
  • Ensure all procedures are executed within Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and compliance standards.
  • Communicate operational changes or disruptions to the Operations Manager immediately.
  • Provide ongoing training and mentorship to staff; ensure adherence to all safety, quality, and regulatory protocols.
  • Participate in staff meetings and contribute constructive input for process improvement.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience, preferably in aviation, catering, logistics, or a fast-paced operational environment.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Possess a valid driver's license and have a clean driving and criminal record.
  • Able to obtain airport security clearances and a vehicle operator permit as required.
  • Physically capable of lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 70 lbs regularly.
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and variable schedules as required.
  • Must complete all airline and corporate training programs successfully.

Core Competencies
  • Strong leadership with the ability to lead by example and inspire a team.
  • Effective in time management, multi-tasking, and prioritization.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure.
  • Proactive problem-solving with a confident and decisive mindset.
  • Professional, tactful, and respectful in all internal and external interactions.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and customer satisfaction.

Why Join SkyCafe - A GAT Company?
At SkyCafe, we pride ourselves on our people-first culture and commitment to excellence in airline catering. If you're ready to make an impact, contribute to a growing team, and thrive in a high-performance environment, we want to hear from you.

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