An operations agent works in the airport’s operational management. This job entails a variety of tasks in order to keep an airport running smoothly, and it may necessitate working at odd hours if the facility operates early in the morning or late at night. For these positions, airports typically look for people with at least three years of aviation experience. Safety is a major concern for airports of all sizes, so having safety training qualifications can be beneficial.
Departing agents may provide a debriefing when an operations agent arrives on shift. They can talk about the day’s flight schedule as well as any issues that have arisen. Agents in charge of operations must be able to respond quickly to emergencies while keeping the airport running smoothly. They collaborate with airport personnel on a variety of issues, including emergency landing requests and airline schedule adjustments due to equipment failures.
Agents usually have an office, but they may spend the majority of their time roaming the airport. They frequently check for safety violations, assist staff with problems, and meet with various personnel throughout the day. An operations agent may be called upon to coordinate an airport evacuation or work with staff to reroute to keep a runway clear in the event of a problem. Communication skills are essential for this job, which requires daily interaction with a variety of people while multitasking, particularly at a large international airport.
On the job, most people learn the skills needed to become an operations agent. They begin providing administrative support in the operations department before gradually taking on more responsibilities. Employees can advance to more senior positions as they gain experience and demonstrate their abilities. If promotions appear to be moving slowly, this could lead to qualification as an operations agent, or it could prepare an airport employee to apply for a job at another airport.
Individual airlines may employ their own operations agents to coordinate staff, wake up crew members, and file necessary paperwork with authorities. They collaborate with airport personnel to address safety concerns and ensure that the carrier’s and the airport’s standards are met. These requirements include flight documentation, safety protocols, and staff training. To keep the airline on schedule, operations agents can communicate with gate agents, ground crews, and call center representatives.