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Direct Airline Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JCSI

Director of Transportation

Des Plaines, IL

$170K - $180K/yr

Direct airline communication and escalation protocols during operational disruptions, supporting on-time performance (OTP) and turnaround targets in partnership with station managers. * Manage third ...

JCSI

Director of Transportation

Chicago, IL

$170K - $180K/yr

Direct airline communication and escalation protocols during operational disruptions, supporting on-time performance (OTP) and turnaround targets in partnership with station managers. * Manage third ...

Sterling Physician Recruiters

Rheumatologist

Carlsbad, NM

$230K - $297K/yr

Roswell has its own symphony orchestra, museums, and direct airline flights 4 times a day to Dallas/Fort Worth. The education system has public, private, and academically challenging institutions ...

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Segment Finance Director

IL · Remote

Airline Lounges is hiring a Segment Finance Director . This position is a remote based position ... Lead, coach, and develop direct reports (if applicable) and strengthen financial acumen across the ...

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Segment Finance Director

TX · Remote

Airline Lounges is hiring a Segment Finance Director . This position is a remote based position ... Lead, coach, and develop direct reports (if applicable) and strengthen financial acumen across the ...

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

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

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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All JobsDirect Airline Jobs

Direct Airline information

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How much do direct airline jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct airline in the United States is $16.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I work remotely for an airline?

Direct airline roles typically require on-site presence, especially for customer service, flight operations, and maintenance positions. However, some administrative, sales, or support roles may offer remote work options, often requiring strong communication skills and familiarity with airline industry software. Availability of remote work depends on the specific position and airline policies.

Is 40 too old to be cabin crew?

There is no strict age limit for becoming cabin crew, and many airlines consider candidates up to their 40s or older. Airlines typically prioritize good health, customer service skills, and a professional appearance, regardless of age, though some may have specific age requirements or preferences. Experience in hospitality or customer service can be advantageous for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Airline Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airline Director, you need substantial experience in aviation management, a relevant degree (such as in business or aviation), and a strong understanding of airline operations and regulations. Familiarity with airline management systems, safety compliance software, and regulatory certification (such as FAA or EASA) is typically required. Outstanding leadership, strategic decision-making, and excellent communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for navigating the complexities of airline operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving organizational success.

What is a Direct Airline?

A Direct Airline typically refers to an airline that offers direct flights between destinations without the need for passengers to change planes, though the flight may include stops. Unlike connecting flights, direct flights remain on the same aircraft for the entire journey, providing greater convenience and often shorter travel times. The term can also refer to airlines that sell tickets directly to customers, bypassing third-party travel agents. This direct-to-consumer approach may offer better deals and more flexible customer service options.

What is the easiest airline to get a job with?

For airline jobs, larger carriers often have more structured hiring processes and may be easier to enter due to higher turnover and more frequent openings. Entry-level positions such as customer service agents or flight attendants typically require good communication skills, a clean background check, and sometimes specific certifications like CPR or language skills. Airlines also value previous experience in hospitality or customer service roles.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in direct airline sales roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in direct airline sales often face challenges such as meeting aggressive sales targets, adapting to fluctuating travel demand, and staying updated on constantly changing fare structures and promotions. Success in this role requires strong communication skills to effectively engage customers and the ability to quickly learn and use airline reservation systems. Teamwork is also essential, as direct sales agents frequently collaborate with marketing, customer service, and revenue management teams to ensure a seamless booking experience and meet organizational goals.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the airline industry, high-level executive roles such as airline CEOs and chief pilots can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and industry knowledge, and are based in large airline companies or corporate offices.

What is the difference between Direct Airline vs Airline Customer Service Agent?

AspectDirect AirlineAirline Customer Service Agent
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; airline-specific trainingHigh school diploma; customer service training
Work EnvironmentAirport operations, airline offices, or in-flightAirport terminals, ticket counters, customer service desks
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, airline subsidiariesAirlines, travel agencies, airports
Common Search & ComparisonOperational roles within airlinesCustomer-facing roles at airports

Direct Airline roles focus on airline operations, including management and coordination, often requiring specialized training. Airline Customer Service Agents primarily handle passenger interactions, ticketing, and inquiries at airport counters. Both roles are essential in the airline industry but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

More about Direct Airline jobs
What cities are hiring for Direct Airline jobs? Cities with the most Direct Airline job openings:
What states have the most Direct Airline jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Airline jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Direct Airline jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Airline jobs are:
Direct Airline jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Airline job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,887 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Director of Transportation

Director of Transportation

JCSI

Des Plaines, IL

$170K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Director of Transportation & Fleet Operations — Airline Catering

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

Compensation: $170,000–$180,000 plus 20% annual bonus

Benefits: No waiting period — eligible as of Day 1

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

We are seeking a strategic, operationally driven Director, Catering Transportation & Operations Planning to lead transportation, dispatch, fleet operations, logistics planning, and airline/ground handling service execution for our Chicago operations. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced aviation, airline, ground handling, station operations, fleet, supply chain, or logistics professional who thrives in a fast-paced 24/7 environment where every minute matters — and who is just as comfortable on the ramp as they are in a planning meeting.

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 operational planning and execution that drives on-time catering performance, fleet efficiency, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction across a complex airline network. This role requires a leader who splits time between strategic planning and being visibly present on the floor with drivers, dispatchers, and frontline teams — not a purely desk-based planning role.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all transportation, dispatch, routing, and catering delivery operations.
  • Maintain a consistent, visible presence with frontline transportation, dispatch, and delivery teams — balancing strategic planning with hands-on floor leadership.
  • Align catering logistics plans with airline schedules, flight changes, and operational requirements.
  • Partner with airline Operations Control Centers (OCC), station leadership, and catering facilities to ensure seamless execution.
  • Develop transportation and dispatch strategies that support safety, service, and on-time performance objectives.
  • Manage operational planning for daily operations, schedule changes, peak periods, and irregular operations (IROPs).
  • Establish processes for fleet utilization, route optimization/route planning, distribution, and labor efficiency across a large-scale, multi-shift transportation operation.
  • Lead risk assessments and process mapping initiatives to identify operational vulnerabilities and drive continuous improvement.
  • Own safety and DOT compliance performance, with a demonstrated, quantifiable track record of driving down incidents and violations.

    Monitor operational KPIs including:

  • On-Time Catering Performance
  • Aircraft Service Compliance
  • Dispatch Accuracy
  • Fleet Utilization
  • Service Failures
  • Cost per Delivery
  • Direct airline communication and escalation protocols during operational disruptions, supporting on-time performance (OTP) and turnaround targets in partnership with station managers.
  • Manage third-party transportation partners and service agreements where applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, security, and airline-specific requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • 5-7+ years in airline, aviation, airline catering, ground handling, ramp operations, station operations, fleet operations, supply chain, distribution, or 3PL logistics, with direct leadership of large-scale transportation and dispatch functions. In-flight catering experience strongly preferred; equivalent airport/ground ops, fleet, or logistics experience considered.
  • Proven leadership of a large-scale transportation operation — typically 100+ drivers, 40+ commercial vehicles, and support for 200–300+ daily departures. General over-the-road (OTR) trucking experience without this scale or airline/airport context is not a fit for this role.
  • Demonstrated, quantifiable safety and DOT compliance track record — able to speak to specific results, not just program oversight.
  • Comfortable operating in a “boots-on-ground” leadership style — regularly present with frontline teams, not solely office/planning-based.
  • 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.

We are an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.