Working in aviation, whether for an airline or an airport, means being part of a large, diverse team with roles that require a wide range of skills. You could pursue a customer service role, such as a flight attendant, baggage handler, or airline ticket agent. Alternatively, you might be drawn to technical roles like pilot, navigator, mechanic, or engineer. For those with expertise in other areas, opportunities abound in accounting, catering, finance, law, or airport management. From entry-level positions to highly specialized roles, every team member plays a vital part in ensuring customers travel safely to their destinations. The combination of varied skill requirements and the fact that every major city worldwide has an airport makes aviation careers accessible to many. But what is it about these roles that attracts candidates in the first place?
Airline employees, including those in non-flying roles, often enjoy discounted travel benefits, making trips to sought-after destinations more affordable. Typically, employees can travel for free or at significantly reduced rates on their airline’s flights, subject to seat availability. For instance, Virgin Atlantic offers a “Staff Travel” program that provides full-time employees with up to seven concessionary standby flights annually to any of the airline’s destinations, requiring payment of only the applicable taxes. Additionally, some airlines have reciprocal agreements, allowing employees to purchase discounted tickets on other airlines, further enhancing travel opportunities.
The most obvious draw of a career in aviation is the incredible travel opportunities it offers. While working for an airline can be demanding, few industries provide such extensive chances to explore the world. Some roles, like pilots and flight attendants, involve frequent travel as part of the job, allowing them to visit up to ten cities across multiple continents in just a five-day shift. Even outside of working hours, aviation professionals enjoy unique opportunities to travel and explore new destinations.
In the dynamic and fast-paced aviation industry, every role contributes to a larger mission, ensuring seamless operations and adapting to the rapid pace of change. Working for an airline or airport is far from monotonous—it offers daily variety and the chance to interact with diverse individuals. This is a major reason many candidates are drawn to aviation roles. Airport employees enjoy meeting fascinating people and observing the unique flow of travelers, with no two days ever being the same. Similarly, flight attendants often highlight the opportunity to meet a wide range of interesting individuals as a key reason they chose their career.
Airlines and airports understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to ensure their employees enjoy a fulfilling life outside of work. For instance, Virgin Atlantic extends benefits to include deals on holidays through Virgin Holidays, going beyond just discounted flights. Many airlines also offer flight crews discounts on rental cars, hotels, and even travel attractions during their holidays. These benefits often extend to home life as well, with initiatives like childcare vouchers, subsidized nursery places, family leave, and discounts at high-street shops to support employees with family commitments. Health and well-being are also prioritized, with discounted access to health cash plans and comprehensive healthcare options. Additionally, airlines and airports recognize the importance of future financial security, offering robust pension schemes that encourage employees to build long-term careers within the industry.
Although airport jobs generally offer fewer travel opportunities than airline roles, they are often well-paid positions with excellent benefits. For instance, the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) showcases a comprehensive range of employee benefits on their website, reflecting their commitment to offering a well-rounded package. Some perks are unique to airport employment, such as 50% discounts on holiday airport parking, while others focus on commuting support, including cycle-to-work schemes and subsidized rail travel. Being part of a large organization like an airline or airport provides access to tailored benefits and enhancements that may not be available elsewhere, making these roles highly attractive to job seekers.