How To Become an Airport Operations Manager: Types of Airport Operations Manager, Courses, Degrees, Jobs Scope and Salary 2023

Steps to Follow to Become An Airport Operation Manager

Students aspiring to be an Airport Operation Manager must keep in mind certain things. Given below are some steps that a student may consider,

Step 1: Resoluteness

• It is very important for the candidates to have clarity on their decision to be an Airport Operation Manager. 
• The process of making a choice for being an Airport Operation Manager should start from an early age, particularly after the completion of 10th. 
• Step by step decision making will help the student in coming up with a more precise ,deliberate and thoughtful decision in the field of aviation.

Step 2: Choosing an Appropriate Set of Subjects

• It is advisable that just after the completion of 10th,students should pursue computer and mathematics as two of their subjects in their senior secondary education. 
• It helps in developing a good basic level for an early stage. 
• However, students can also pursue a BBA in the field of aviation at the graduation level.

Step 3: Entrance Preparation

• This is one of the most important steps that a student must focus on. 
• Many universities and colleges conduct entrance examinations at the national and university level for admission in the course. 
• Candidates should start their preparations for the entrance examination just after their 12th boards. 
• Many online platforms like collegedunia clearly mentions the required syllabus that a candidate needs to prepare for. 
• SAT, CET, MAH CET are some of the entrance examinations taken for airport manager programs.

Check: MAH CET Eligibility

Step 4: Shortlisting The Finest Colleges

• Selecting a Good Aviation College becomes very essential for future developments like placement and internship opportunities. 
• So, a candidate must check the ranking of the college by various authorities like NIRF,Outlook etc, Faculty of the college, its training and placement cell and some other parameters as well.

Step 5: Post-Qualifying Exam

• After qualifying the examination students can go through the syllabus attached with their curriculum for a better understanding. 
• After qualifying, candidates are sent for medical examination. It is a one year training period.
• They can also search for related internships and freelancing jobs to get an exposure in the field of Aviation for better exposure.

Check: How to become an Air Hostess

Types of Airport Operations Manager

From 2006 to 2023, the rate of growth in Airports has increased from 8% to 26%. That impies, the demand for Airport operation Managers is also increasing. Below we have mentioned a few different types of Airport Operation Managers:

Airline Relationship Manager

They act as the medium of communication between airlines and airports. They are responsible for managing all the tasks of airlines.

Check: Career as a Helicopter Pilot

Airport Traffic Controller

The Airport Traffic controller is responsible for ensuring the safe distances between the aircrafts by coordinating with the movement of aircrafts. They are involved in directing the aircrafts efficiently to minimise delays. The main tasks of a airport traffic controller involve:

•  Regulate the flow of aircraft into and out of the airspace
• guide pilots during takeoff and landing
•  monitor aircraft for security purposes

They generally use radar and visual references to monitor the movement of aircrafts. The starting salary ranges from INR 4,00,000 - INR 6,00,000 while the senior level salary ranges from INR 9,00,000 and above.

Check: How to become an Airport Manager

Ground Staff Manager

Ground Staff managers are involved in extending information to the passengers regarding airline,airline timings,luggage details etc.

• They ensure that the passengers do not face any difficulties in the flight . 
• It is definitely a challenging position and requires good managerial skills to handle the customers.
• Some other skills involve communication skills, Planning or Organizing, Responsibility, Teamwork, interpersonal abilities,Problem-solving skills etc. 
• The starting salary of a ground staff manager is INR 1,50,000, the mid level salary increases to INR 2,75,000 while the senior level salary is INR 5,85,000

How to Become an Airport Operations Manager in India

The career path to become an Airport Operations Manager begins just after class 10th. Students can opt for arts or commerce stream for a better knowledge of the subjects. It will help them in their graduation level studies like BBA in aviation or BBA in Airport Management etc.

School Level Preparation

• Admission to graduation courses in the field of Aviation Airport Management etc. for being an Airport Operations Manager may be merit based or entrance based.
• Candidates must have scored a good percentage in their last qualifying examination (senior secondary education). 
• At Least a minimum of 55% is required in senior secondary education for admission into any such course (may vary in different institutes and universities)
•  For admission in BBA Airport Management, a minimum aggregate percentage of 55% is required . 

How to Become an Airport Operations Manager after 12th?

In India, one can start preparing to become an Airport Operation Manager at UG as well as PG level. Below we have mentioned Preparation strategy that candidates can follow at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.

UG Level Preparation

• Candidates must choose wisely the specific specialisation at their graduation level i.e BBA in Aviation or BBA in Airport management.
• They will have to prepare for the entrance examinations conducted by some institutes or universities at the national or state level.The entrance based examinations for BBA are CET, MAH CET etc.
• Some universities may also call for admissions on the basis of merit of the candidate. Thus, it becomes very essential for the candidate to perform good in their last qualifying examination

PG Level Preparation

• Having a masters degree will help the candidates in getting an edge during the recruitment process. 
• Work experience is not compulsory, however,part time jobs, freelancing, or internships may provide better job opportunities.
• Candidates willing to pursue MBA in airport management or any other relevant field must score a minimum aggregate of 50% in their BBA airport management .
• Personal interview or skill assessment is usually conducted as a part of the admission process for airport management. However, CET is the entrance examination that is conducted by most of the universities for admission in the Airport management program.
• Candidates who have done MBA in Airport Management can also apply for tenure track teaching positions in universities along with the senior position in AAI.

Course to Become an Airport Operations Manager

Being a good Airport Operations Manager requires a lot of research work. It is a gradual process. Given below are some courses that a student can opt for becoming an Airport Operations Manager:

BBA in Airport Management

BBA in Airport Management is a 3 years graduation level program.The course is programmed to provide specialised training to the students for managerial roles in the arena of aviation.

Admission Process

Admission process for the course may vary in different colleges and universities;

• Some colleges may do admissions on the basis of the merit of the candidate in the last qualifying examination i.e 12th boards result
• While some other colleges may conduct an entrance examination followed by a round of personal interview for the shortlisted candidates. Candidates will have to score a good percentile in the entrance examination for admission in the course. 

Eligibility

Candidates must have completed their senior secondary education (10+2) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% of aggregate marks.

Entrance Examination

SAT, CET are some of the entrance examinations conducted for admission in BBA Airport Management.

BSc in Aviation

BSc in Aviation is a 3 years graduation level course that provides specialised knowledge in the field of aviation.The course particularly focuses on management and scientific skills.

Admission Process

Admissions are done on the basis of the entrance examination. A valid score in JEE Mains, COMEDK UGET, BITSAT is required. Qualifying candidates are called for the counselling round.

Eligibility

Candidates must have completed their senior secondary education (10+2) with science as a stream and 60% as the aggregate minimum marks .

BTech in Avionics

BTech in Avionics is a 4 years engineering course that deals with the mechanics of the aeroplane. It provides theoretical as well as practical knowledge in the field of aviation.

Admission Process

•  Admissions are done either on the basis of merit or on the basis of entrance examinations conducted by some colleges.
• Candidates must secure a valid score in UPESEAT, JEE Mains and JEE Advanced to secure a seat in the BTech Avionics program.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for counselling.

Eligibility

• Candidates must have completed their senior secondary education (10+2) in physics, chemistry and mathematics from a recognised university.
• A minimum score of 50 -70% is required in the 10+2 level

How To Apply for Airport Operations Management Courses?

Candidates can apply for the course in online mode. Some universities may also offer offline application facilities,however this may be currently not possible due to the ongoing pandemic. To apply for the course, candidates can follow the steps given below:

• Go to the official website of the examination portal you want to apply for.
• Register yourself with a valid email id. The email id and phone number should be working.
• The portal to fill in the application form opens up
• Upload the documents as per the given details. 
• Pay the application fee via netbanking,credit card, debit card or through offline mode ( bank challan)
• Take out the hardcopy of the application form and fee receipt for future reference. 

How to Prepare for Airport Operations Management Exams

Some universities take entrance examinations for admission in the course. Thus, it becomes very essential for the candidate to prepare for the same. Given below are some preparation tips that a student may consider while preparing for the concerned examination - 

• Make a structured time table for the entire syllabus of your concerned law examination. Divide your day accordingly.
• Keep one day in the entire week for revision of topics that you have completed. This will help in keeping you updated with the already covered topics.
• Do not skip any topic. Each section and portion has its own weightage. Thus,it is very essential to cover the entire syllabus. Schedule more time for topics that you find a little difficult. Give them special attention.
• Self study is the key to success. So ,if you are taking coaching for any concerned subject,make sure to revise it appropriately.
• Once the syllabus is completed, attempt as many mock tests as you can. Try to complete the test within the specified time frame. This will help you in time management as well as give you an idea of how much time needs to be allotted to a particular section.
• Solve previous year question papers. They are easily available on the official website of the concerned examination portal.

How to Become an Airport Operations Manager Abroad?

Becoming an Airport Operations Manager abroad may require some different eligibility and admission criterias as prescribed by the colleges of the concerned country. Given below are the details of few colleges for admission in airport operation management course:

Check: Top Aviation Universities/Colleges Abroad

How to Become an Airport Operations Manager in the UK

• Candidates who have completed their senior secondary education in the relevant discipline with 65% of aggregate marks can apply for the Airport Operation Management course in the UK.
• Indian nationals with 18 years and above can apply for the course.
• Candidates must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above for admission in the Top Aviation Universities/Colleges in the UK.
• Documents required are- Resume, 10+2 certificate, statement of marks, LOR, statement of purpose, english language requirement.
• On an average ,fees range around INR 4,00,000 to INR 20,63,406.

Top Colleges in the UK

How To Become An Airport Operations Manager in the USA

• Candidates who have completed their senior secondary education in the relevant discipline with 65% of aggregate marks can apply for the airport operation management course in the US.
• For admission in the Top Aviation Colleges/Universities in the US for airport operation management course, candidates require an IELTS score of 6 and SAT score above 1250.
• On an average, the course fee is around INR 6,68,000. 

Top Colleges in the USA

Benefits of Career as an Airport Operations Manager

Becoming an Airport Operations Manager is itself a great job profile that comes with huge responsibilities, work deadlines, a good salary package, job security and what not. Below we have discussed such benefits that one gets after becoming an Airport Operations Manager: 

Check: Aviation Jobs in India

Salary

• With the growing demand for airport operation managers their salary scale is also increasing. Also ,their salary increases with growing experience. 
• At the entry level they earn around INR 5,00,000 annually, while this may increase to more than INR 10,00,000 at the senior level.
• Thus, the job as an airport operation manager is indeed a good security for the future.

Higher Studies

• Students can also go for higher studies in the domain of Airport management to get better and more precise knowledge in their specialisation. 
• This will help them in securing a high profile job not only in India but also abroad.
• Countries like the US and Canada have a large proportion of Indian youth working in the field of aviation.

Job Security

• With increase in the salary and the other perks given, airport operation management no doubt becomes a job with good security.
• Also, it is one of the most unique positions in the airlines sector.

Unique Experience

• Airport operation managers are involved in various tasks ranging from safety, security, information update etc. 
• Thus, they definitely get a good exposure and unique experience in this field.

Skills Required to Become an Airport Operations Manager

All the candidates who wish to become an Airport Operations Manager must possess some highly-required skills asked by the recruiting airlines. These skills tabulated below will help you get a job quickly and add value to your CV.

Airport Operations Manager Salary in India

Salaries of Airport Operations Managers may vary in private and public organizations. The advantages and disadvantages in both these sectors will also vary. Given below are the details regarding their salary details in India:

Check: Aviation Jobs in India

Sector Wise Salary

Specialization Wise Salary

Experience Wise Salary

Gender Wise Salary