What does an operations agent do?

Airline operations agents are in charge of organizing airline operations, arranging boarding and descending tasks, and maintaining schedules and passengers. They must also provide excellent customer service most of the time, assist in unexpected conditions, and answer inquiries. Also, they are responsible for communicating routinely with transmittal to organize arrivals and departures and must abide by all protocols for boarding and check the precision of documentation. Additionally, they control ground security, interface with radio equipment, evaluate weather conditions, and delay or cancel flights if needed. Candidates for the job must have strong interpersonal skills to work well with clients and staff as well as able to multitask since they work in fast-paced surroundings and on distinct projects at the same time.
Operations agent responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real operations agent resumes:
- Manage and run both offices of the Connecticut branch of TWIC.
- Manage LTL and FCL trucking scheduling, vendor invoice approvals and all DG shipments.
- Integrate logistics principles into supply chain solutions to resolve customer issues and achieve customer satisfaction.
- Manage corporate travel arrangements for executive and VIP clients and organize travel billing for corporate accounts.
- Track freight shipments on SWA dedicate system.
- Maintain up to date with all TSA requirements.
- Vacuum, clean tray tables, upholstery, clean windows.
- Assist VIP guests in concierge lounge as a secondary concierge.
- File a copy of all international air waybills and store them in accordance with FAA regulations.
- Work closely with clients to troubleshoot, diagnose and complete repairs on computers and various electronics.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings and being able to engage on a security challenge with TSA or FAAmembers
- Patrol residential premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Assist in the department training for a company introduce web-based application, for the purpose of client check-in and check-outs.
- Perform basic computer diagnostics and repairs.
- Perform hardware/software installations, system diagnostics, and virus/spyware removal.
Operations agent skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Operations Agents are proficient in Logistics, Data Entry, and FAA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Initiative.
We break down the percentage of Operations Agents that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Logistics, 15%
Coordinated the logistics process with selected Service Providers and compared planned dispatches to actual outcomes and re-dispatched accordingly.
- Data Entry, 13%
Ensured complete data entry of shipping and billing information for domestic and international packages.
- FAA, 6%
Interpret FAA rules/regulations and Advisory Circulars to determine impact on airport compliance program.
- Windows, 5%
Navigated multiple system programs simultaneously including the Microsoft Windows environment.
- Computer System, 5%
Learned to communicate to various airport professionals using radios and computer systems.
- Math, 5%
Register inventory Unload trucks Skills Used Time management General Math Skills Verbal Communication Customer Service Resolving Conflict Teamwork Client Relationships
Most operations agents use their skills in "logistics," "data entry," and "faa" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential operations agent responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an operations agent to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "insurance sales agents must evaluate the needs of each client to determine the appropriate insurance policy." Operations agents often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed delivery manifest data entry, payment justification and error checks using sophisticated software systems. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling operations agent duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "insurance sales agents must listen to clients and be able to clearly explain suitable policies." According to an operations agent resume, here's how operations agents can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "managed the escalation process through multiple forms communication including outlook with the assistance of third party vendors and internal service repairs. "
Initiative. operations agents are also known for initiative, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to operations agent responsibilities, because "insurance sales agents need to actively seek out new clients in order to increase business." An operations agent resume example shows how initiative is used in the workplace: "exercised initiative in planning and carrying out task and also participated in staff development. "
Self-confidence. For certain operations agent responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "self-confidence." The day-to-day duties of an operations agent rely on this skill, as "insurance sales agents should be confident when contacting prospective clients." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what operations agents do: "prepared and distributed spreadsheets containing confidential data to upper management, portfolio managers and attorneys. "
The three companies that hire the most operations agents are:
- AIT Worldwide Logistics44 operations agents jobs
- Pilot Freight Services24 operations agents jobs
- SkyWest Airlines22 operations agents jobs
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Operations agent vs. Business developer
A business developer specializes in conducting in-depth business analysis and crafting various strategies that would not just help a business grow, but also strengthen client base and brand awareness. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around identifying areas in need of improvement. They come up with new services that will boost customer satisfaction, examining the potential for revenue and figuring out new opportunities from trends or other pre-existing programs within the company. All of this is conducted according to the vision, mission, and policies of the organization.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between operations agents and business developer. For instance, operations agent responsibilities require skills such as "data entry," "faa," "windows," and "computer system." Whereas a business developer is skilled in "healthcare," "crm," "work ethic," and "excellent presentation." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Business developers earn the highest salaries when working in the manufacturing industry, with an average yearly salary of $118,082. On the other hand, operations agents are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $43,185.The education levels that business developers earn slightly differ from operations agents. In particular, business developers are 8.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an operations agent. Additionally, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Operations agent vs. Contracts specialist
A contract specialist is responsible for evaluating contract agreements between the business and its clients. Contract specialists write beneficial deals that would develop good, professional working partnerships. They negotiate terms with clients, analyzing bid offers, review legislation processes and regulations, provide immediate resolution for breach of contracts, manage procurement proposals, and communicate with potential and existing clients for any amendments and clarifications. A contract specialist must have excellent communication and negotiation skills and broad knowledge of legal terminologies and contract styles.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, operations agent responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "faa," "windows," "computer system," and "math." Meanwhile, a contracts specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "veterans," "dod," "contract administration," and "contract terms." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, contracts specialists earn a higher salary than operations agents. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, contracts specialists earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $81,199. Whereas operations agents have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $43,185.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Contracts specialists tend to reach higher levels of education than operations agents. In fact, they're 8.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Operations agent vs. Business internship
In a business internship, the responsibilities will vary by the directives given by the supervising staff. However, one of the primary duties as an intern is to perform support-related tasks for the department or office where they are assigned. An intern may participate in marketing research and analysis, devising sales strategies, producing progress reports and presentations, and even handling social media accounts for public relations, all while under the supervision of a more experienced colleague.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, operations agents are more likely to have skills like "logistics," "faa," "windows," and "computer system." But a business internship is more likely to have skills like "power bi," "visualization," "data analysis," and "project management."
Business interns make a very good living in the professional industry with an average annual salary of $38,332. On the other hand, operations agents are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $43,185.When it comes to education, business interns tend to earn higher degree levels compared to operations agents. In fact, they're 6.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Operations agent vs. Project specialist
A project specialist's role is to ensure that a project or program's completion is within the allotted time and budget. They are primarily responsible for devising plans and strategies to quicken the pace of production or processes involved, creating a comprehensive schedule, monitoring the progress and producing reports, tracking the budget and expenditures, and coordinating with all department personnel. Moreover, a project specialist may also schedule and attend meetings, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between operations agents and project specialists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an operations agent might have more use for skills like "logistics," "faa," "computer system," and "math." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of project specialists require skills like "project management," "project proposals," "strong customer service," and "telemarketing. "
Project specialists enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $77,221. For comparison, operations agents earn the highest salary in the technology industry.The average resume of project specialists showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to operations agents. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.2%.Types of operations agent
Updated January 8, 2025











