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How to hire an airline manager

Airline manager hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring airline managers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire an airline manager is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new airline manager to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an airline manager, step by step

To hire an airline manager, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire an airline manager:

Here's a step-by-step airline manager hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write an airline manager job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new airline manager
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your airline manager job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an airline manager for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    An airline manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, airline managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of airline manager salaries for various roles:

    Type of Airline ManagerDescriptionHourly rate
    Airline Manager$24-48
    Transportation DirectorTransportation Directors are responsible for managing an organization's transportation operations. They are involved in supervising transportation projects, monitoring performance, research workflow processes, conduct strategic meetings with stakeholders, administer the budgeting process, and ensures programs comply with state and federal regulations... Show more$14-41
    Traffic OperatorA Traffic Operator coordinates all logistic shipments and associated operations. You will be required to oversee all payments and credit negotiation demands within traffic management... Show more$11-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • FAA
    • Customer Service
    Responsibilities:
    • Assist passengers in making airline reservations.
    • Book personal and business flight reservations for customers.
    • License in both single-engine and multi-engine airplanes.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your airline manager job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An airline manager salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, airline managers' average salary in hawaii is 38% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level airline managers earn 49% less than senior-level airline managers.
    • Certifications. An airline manager with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an airline manager's salary.

    Average airline manager salary

    $71,802yearly

    $34.52 hourly rate

    Entry-level airline manager salary
    $51,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 29, 2025
  4. Writing an airline manager job description

    An airline manager job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an airline manager job description:

    Airline manager job description example

    The Duty Manager will be directly responsible for overseeing ramp supervisors on their shift. The Ramp Duty Manager will take accountability for safety, resource management, operation standards, policy implementation, and client relations.
    Key Responsibilities

    + Full accountability to the Ramp Manager for Health & Safety issues, operational and financial performance of their shift. Planning resource allocation in each business unit for their shift.

    + Routine liaison with customer representatives.

    + Liaison with internal and external customers and agencies.

    + Producing routine reports.

    + Supporting the development of the business units with accurate and timely project work.

    + Ensuring compliance with all internal and external operational and administrative requirements.

    + Planning resource allocation in each business unit for their shift

    + Perform as a mentor to other employees

    + Required to attend the mandatory training imposed by the Company and Airlines as per job role

    + Provide training to employees in accordance with Company and Airline standards

    + Complete investigations and report compliance to the Sr. Management Team.

    + Handling of all employee related issues, focusing on improving performance, professional conduct and ensuring attendance reliability.

    + Duties as assigned.

    Qualifications

    + Must be at least 18 years of age

    + Must pass pre-employment drug screen

    + Must have current valid US driver's license

    + Ability to proficiently read, write and speak English

    + Excellent communication skills

    + Must have a positive, can-do, upbeat personality

    + Able to remain calm under pressure

    + Must excel in time management skills and require minimal supervision

    + Able to stand for long periods of time

    + Must be comfortable lifting 70lbs

    + Must pass FBI background check and obtain US Customs seal

    + Must be available and flexible to work variable shifts including weekends and holidays

    + Management experience in the Airport Ground Handling business

    + Advanced Computer Skills Required

    + A proven track record in managing a business unit

    + Possess 3-5 years of aviation industry experience with sound knowledge of passenger operations and procedures

    + Organizing and planning skills, with the ability and initiative to react effectively and quickly to unexpected circumstances

    + A working knowledge of GSE maintenance issues.

    + Understanding of the wider airport operational environment.

    + Experience and understanding of the commercial issues in aviation.

    + Experience of Health and Safety management.

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

    + Ability to learn quickly

    + Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and request clarification when needed

    + Strong interpersonal skills

    + Ability to work as part of a team

    + Ability to build relationships

    Benefits

    + Starting at $70,000 per year

    + Opportunities for Leadership Training Programs

    + Three Health Plans through Meritain Health that offer a variety of coverage

    + Two Dental Plans through Delta Dental

    + Vision Insurance Plan through Met Life Vision

    + Paid Vacation

    + Accident Coverage Plan

    + Critical Illness Coverage Plan

    + Hospital Indemnity Coverage Plan

    + Company Paid Employee Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, 2x your basic annual earnings.

    + Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance

    + Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

    + Company Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

    + 401K Savings Plan

    + Employee Assistance Program

    + Prepaid Legal Coverage Plan

    + Identity Theft Protection Plan

    Working Conditions

    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Work is primarily done indoors; however, the individual will be working near terminals with consistently open doors where harsh weather conditions could affect the indoor environment. The Passenger Service Agent team is provided a Menzies Aviation uniform including a long coat.

    This individual will also work with disgruntled customers throughout the airport and must maintain a positive attitude when representing our company and communicating with customers within the airport.

    Physical Requirements

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with arms, climb or balance; and talk or hear.

    Other tasks include lifting passenger bags up to 70lbs which could also involve bending and stooping. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70lbs.

    Qualifications

    Behaviors

    Preferred

    + Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

    + Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

    + Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

    + Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

    Education

    Required

    + High School or better

    Licenses & Certifications

    Required

    + EMPLOYEE BADGE

    + DRIVERS LICENSE

    Experience

    Required

    + 3-5 years of aviation industry experience with sound knowledge of passenger operations and procedures

    + working knowledge of GSE maintenance issues

    + Experience and understanding of the commercial issues in aviation

    + Experience of Health and Safety management.

    Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

    The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
  5. Post your job

    There are a few common ways to find airline managers for your business:

    • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your airline manager job on Zippia to find and recruit airline manager candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit airline managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new airline manager

    Once you've found the airline manager candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new airline manager. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire an airline manager?

Hiring an airline manager comes with both the one-time cost per hire and ongoing costs. The cost of recruiting airline managers involves promoting the job and spending time conducting interviews. Ongoing costs include employee salary, training, benefits, insurance, and equipment. It is essential to consider the cost of airline manager recruiting as well the ongoing costs of maintaining the new employee.

The median annual salary for airline managers is $71,802 in the US. However, the cost of airline manager hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring an airline manager for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $24 and $48 an hour.

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