Aviation Management: Career Overview and 10 Jobs To Consider

Australia relies on the aviation industry to transport goods, carry passengers, provide national security, and more. The aviation industry employs thousands of people in diverse occupations ranging from baggage handlers to pilots and flight attendants to gate agents. Employees in aviation management positions help keep the many departments necessary for aviation operations functioning safely and efficiently.

Aviation Management Career Overview

Aviation managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of airports, airlines, and other aviation businesses. People in this career oversee the work of a variety of professionals and tasks, including flight plans, aircraft scheduling, crew management, and maintenance.

Job Responsibilities of an Aviation Manager

The exact job functions vary by employer and experience level. As an aviation manager, you may:

• Ensure compliance with federal and state aviation regulations and rules
• Plan flight schedules
• Oversee the safe and efficient operation of airports
• Hire and manage airport employees
• Involved in managing a Safety Management System
• Execute emergency procedures

Additionally, aviation management jobs often involve reviewing accident reports, resolving operational problems, and working with government bodies, regulators, and industry representatives.

Working Conditions for Aviation Managers

Many airlines, airports, and other aviation businesses operate on a 24/7 schedule. As a result, shifts for aviation managers may include weekends, nights, and holidays. Additionally, your employer may require you to be on call during your non-scheduled hours.

Most managers work in an office environment. However, you may also spend time in hangars, terminal buildings, and warehouses. You may occasionally work outdoors in all weathers.

Job Requirements

Entry-level management positions require a bachelor's degree in aviation management, aviation administration, public administration, or a related field. High school students considering jobs in aviation should preferably study mathematics, English, and physics.

People interested in aviation careers should have strong communication skills, good attention to detail, time management skills, an aptitude for critical thinking and analysis, and the ability to work well with others. Aviation managers must be confident and comfortable with decision-making in potentially high-pressure situations.

Projected Job Growth for Aviation Management

Increasing numbers of passengers and rising military spending should drive growth in the aviation sector. Growth in the aviation industry should lead to an increase in airports and airlines, more flights, and more traffic at airports. All of these factors should increase the demand for aviation managers.

Average Salaries

The average salary for an aviation manager in Australia is $95,000 per year. Entry-level positions pay an average of $77,000 per year, while more experienced managers earn an annual average salary of $128,000.

Where To Find Aviation Management Jobs

Organisations that employ aviation managers include:

• Airlines
• Airports
• Air-Freight companies
• Government agencies
• Regulatory bodies

10 Career Options To Consider

People with aviation management degrees may pursue careers in aviation operations, human resources, scheduling, or aviation regulation and safety. There are a variety of career options within these fields.

1. Aviation Manager

Aviation managers oversee the daily operation of airlines, airports, and other aviation businesses. While performing the various duties of an aviation manager, professionals in this role manage numerous other aviation personnel.

2. Airport Operations Manager

Airport operations managers coordinate the airport staff members responsible for responding to safety and security issues. Employees in this role may also organise cleaning and maintenance activities and manage other departments, such as air traffic control or customer service.

3. Certification and Compliance Specialists

Certification and compliance specialists in aviation management engage in certification and audit functions, draft and review reports, and work with the aviation community to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. These specialists may work for government agencies or independent firms.

4. Aviation Security Manager

Aviation security managers implement, plan, execute, and monitor security operations at airports and other facilities. People in this role are responsible for coordinating with local and government agencies to ensure airports and other facilities meet security standards.

5. Quality and Safety Manager

Quality and safety managers report to the chief executive officer on the effectiveness of safety management systems. They are also responsible for continuously improving quality and safety systems, investigating accidents, performing audits, and conducting safety training.

6. Ramp Services Manager

Ramp services managers lead the teams responsible for ramp and baggage ground handling services. The typical responsibilities of these aviation management professionals include day-to-day operations, safety, security, and customer satisfaction.

7. Aviation Business Development Manager

Aviation business development managers implement strategies to achieve the business objectives of their employers. This role requires the ability to build strong partnerships with tourism organisations, government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry.

8. Air Traffic Management Director

The air traffic management director is responsible for the tactical management of airspace bookings. Air traffic managers must also oversee ATS contingency events, identify tactical operational risks, communicate with stakeholders, and act as the central point of contact with government agencies.

9. Aircraft Engineer

Aviation management skills are transferrable to many other aviation careers, such as engineering. Engineers manage and maintain aircraft propulsion systems, structures, and other equipment in private aviation or military settings. Entry-level positions usually involve maintenance engineering. Experienced engineers may move into management or design roles.

10. Business Analyst

Business analysts study business functions and related system capabilities to determine the business and operational objectives of their employers. Employees in this role also identify risks, recommend improvements, prepare reports, and communicate with stakeholders.

How To Prepare for an Aviation Management Career

Holmes Institute has over 30 years of experience creating tomorrow's leaders. Our Bachelor of Aviation Management program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and competencies they need to succeed. We collaborated with industry experts to develop our cutting-edge curriculum and offer students the chance to gain real-world experience through our internships and industry exposure. Contact us to find out more about our expert faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.

‍