How to hire a flight operation coordinator

How to hire a flight operation coordinator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step flight operation coordinator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a flight operation coordinator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A flight operation coordinator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, flight operation coordinators 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of flight operation coordinators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Flight Operation Coordinator	Description	Hourly rate
   Flight Operation Coordinator		$11-33
   Flight Attendant	A flight attendant is known as a steward or stewardess, an air host or hostess, and works majority in airlines, some in private business jets, or a few other aircraft. Also commonly referred to as a cabin crew, flight attendants act as an ambassador between the airline they work with and the passengers by primarily taking charge of their safety and comfort during the entire flight... Show more	$12-20
   Coordinator	Coordinators are responsible for liaising between the department they are assigned to and any other external party. They oversee projects or agreements... Show more	$12-29

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Reservations
   • Quality Standards
   • Ground Transportation
   • FOS
   • International Flights
   • Crew Scheduling
   • In-Flight
   • Airline Tickets
   • Aircraft Maintenance
   • TSA
   • FBO
   • Federal Aviation Administration
   • Flight Schedules
   • Flight Attendants

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Schedule flight crews for assignments, mange corporate aircraft fleet, manage charter customer base, manage record keeping for FAA requirements
   • Review and monitor all weather conditions, MEL, CDL, aircraft performance limitations, and any potential hazards.
   • Generate flight releases in accordance with the FARs while ensuring the safe operation of flights.
   • Joint responsibility with the PIC for the preflight planning, delay and dispatch of a flight in compliance with FARs.
   • Dispatch flights as non-ETOPS , 120- , 180- or 207 minute ETOPS as applicable to the route of flight.
   • Experience with aeronautical communication tools including SITA and ARINC.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your flight operation coordinator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A flight operation coordinator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, flight operation coordinators' average salary in washington is 43% less than in delaware.
   • Seniority. Entry-level flight operation coordinators earn 65% less than senior-level flight operation coordinators.
   • Certifications. A flight operation coordinator 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 a flight operation coordinator's salary.

   Average flight operation coordinator salary

   $41,283yearly

   $19.85 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level flight operation coordinator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 21, 2026

4. Writing a flight operation coordinator job description

   A job description for a flight operation coordinator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a flight operation coordinator job description:

   Flight operation coordinator job description example

   
   

   • Must be eligible for an Airport System ID card (e.g., pass (10) ten years federal background check, pass several tests for airport-specific rules and regulations)

   
   

   • Valid driver TX license \C\ with driving experience is a prerequisite, CDL class B is a big plus

   
   

   • 1-2 years of experience of airline catering high-end customer service environment

   
   

   • Excellent presentation and communication

   
   

   • Fluent English speaker, Spanish speaking is a big plus

   
   

   • Ability to read and interpret loading instructions, diagrams, and food menu specifications; being well versed in Microsoft Office

   
   

   • Highly flexible and analytical, pro-active player

   
   

   • Good knowledge of food and hygiene standards, valid Food Handler Certificate is a must

   
   

   • Meticulous time manager with the ultimate attention to detail

   
   

   • Good supervision/training skills for associated staff that helps loading the flight catering; e.g., drivers and helpers

   
   

   • Job description includes partially working in a cold room environment and physical work like pushing carts and lifting lightweight items daily

   
   

   The Flight Coordinator is representing the company to the flight crew(s). The first responsibility is the pre-flight check inside the production facility to ensure the Catering for the assigned flight(s) is assembled according to the airline's order and company standards. The second responsibility is to hand over the flight catering to each flight crew onboard the aircraft, ensuring all Catering is loaded according to the airline's request. Finally, the third responsibility is to prepare all necessary paperwork for the next day's flight(s), so the production departments have all relevant information for the next day's production.

   
   

   They ensure:

   
   

   • That all products are loaded to Customer specifications and Abby's Standards

   
   

   • That the handover to the crew is done in the most professional and friendly, personalized way

   
   

   • That all interaction with the flight crew(s) or airport station personal is done perfectly and that Abby's Catering customer services outmatch all competition

   
   

   • The delivery is on time and complete; all process deadlines are fulfilled

   
   

   • Information and data delivered to the production is accurate, and no wastage or overprovisioning occurs

   
   

   • Helping training and grooming associated staff that interacts with flight crews and airport station personal; e.g., drivers and helper

   
   

   Required Education

   
   

   • High school or equivalent

   
   

   • Culinary School preferred

   
   

   • ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, Food Safety Manager Certification preferred

   
   

   • CDL class B is a big plus

   
   

   Required Experience

   
   

   • Flight Coordinator: 2 years of airline catering customer service or similar international airport ramp experience (under/above the wing)

   
   

   Company Core Values

   
   

   You must be willing to embrace the Company C.O.R.E values of the company by sharing them in the way you live your life:

   
   

   • Customer Service

   
   

   • Accountability

   
   

   • Teamwork

   
   

   • Competitiveness

   
   

   • Honesty

   
   

   Benefits

   
   

   • Two weeks paid vacation after one year

   
   

   • Employee Referral Bonus

   
   

   • Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits

   
   

   • Free employee meals

   
   

   • Rewarding and fast-paced workplace environment

   
   

   • Personal gratification to work in such a niche business

   
   

   Our Mission

   
   

   \To continue to be the leading in-flight and corporate catering company serving the Dallas & Houston Metro market by using locally sourced and sustainable raw ingredients, providing the MOST memorable and personalized attention to detail all while maintaining a fiscally sound budget.\

   Company Introduction

   Abby’s Aircraft Catering began in 1980 by providing individuals aboard their chartered, corporate and private executive aircraft with a fine dining experience. In addition to meeting the daily needs of multiple aviation requests for in-flight catering, Abby’s provides food service management for corporate and institutional restaurants throughout the southwest as well as catering countless events and banquets annually.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find flight operation coordinators 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 flight operation coordinator job on Zippia to find and recruit flight operation coordinator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with flight operation coordinator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to 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 flight operation coordinator

   Once you've selected the best flight operation coordinator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new flight operation coordinator. 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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