When it comes to pursuing a challenging and exciting career in the aviation sector, the common thought in people’s minds is that of pilots and spending time in the cockpit. But aviation management is more than that.
According to TOI, India is expected to be the third-largest aviation market by the year 2025. Hence it is considered one of the most lucrative career options in India. Government schemes like UDAN and NABH Nirman have been targeted for airport expansion capacity more than 5 times and cater to the needs of 478 million passengers by 2036.
A master degree in Aviation Management prepares the aspirants with technical and managerial skills that are useful for making a successful career in airline and airport management. This degree is a combination of aviation studies, management along with knowledge of business that helps the students to enter the aviation industry in careers such as airport management, airline operations, aviation insurance and much more.
Some Career paths in Aviation Management
Aviation Management includes various aspects of aviation like business, operations and management like support, communication, leadership and efficiency. Below are few career options among many that are available in aviation management.
Airport Manager
Airport Managers are employed in public and private airports along with heliports. They have to make sure of the safe and efficient operation of airports regularly. Skills like excellent leadership and communication skills along with result-orientation are required.
Their starting salary is INR 1.02 LPA and the average salary is INR 6.5 LPA.
Their typical responsibilities include:
- Monitoring and supervising the testing and maintenance of ticketing, security systems and other technologies.
- Ensure that the airport personnel move the passengers, their luggage and freight efficiently through the airport.
- Comply with airport policies and procedures.
Airport Operation Manager
These managers are responsible for the safe takeoff and arrival of passengers of every flight at specific airports. They function as a link between Airport traffic Controller (ATC) and support staff.
Strong communication skills with expertise in airport and aviation regulations are required.
Typical duties include:
- Ensure the compliance of airport activities with federal, state and local regulations.
- Management of maintenance programs for facilities at the airport and for fleet equipment.
- Supervising security and safety functions by leading the improvements in process and technology.
The starting salary is INR 2.98 LPA with an average salary of INR 7.76 LPA.
Airport Director
They monitor the daily operation and long-term development of an airport that can include:
- Management of terminal operations with security and maintenance.
- Implementation of budgeting, purchasing, personnel and customer service by proper planning.
- Negotiation of terms of contracts with airlines and employee unions.
- Be in contact with agencies like FAA, TSA and Homeland Security.
Airport Faculty
Graduates of aviation management degree can opt to work as aviation professors who work in flight schools as faculty.
Human Resource Manager
The HR manager should be an expert in dealing with aviation faculty and settlement of worker issues.
Airport Traffic Controller
These controllers play an important role in airport scheduling the lineup of flights signalling for signs of arrival and take off.
The starting salary of ATC is INR 1.48 LPA and the average salary is INR 7.32 LPA.
Airport Planner
With expertise in airport design and operation, these professionals prepare airport master plans. Their job may include multiyear forecasts, facility requirements, implementation programs, airfield capacity and passenger data that influence airport layout.
The regulations that are made mandatory by government agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have to be incorporated in facility plans and designs.
Airline Ground Operation
After completion of Basic Aviation Management course, Airline Ground Operations is the promising career option with jobs in ticketing, check-in and department agents.
- Airfield operator
- Airport Operations Coordinator
- Airport Operations Officer
- Airport Operations Specialist
- Airport security manager
- Assistant Manager Airside Operations
- Business management
- Flight Follower
- Freight and cargo management
- Operations Coordinator
- Operations Supervisor
- Systems management
- Airport Duty Manager
Recruiters of Aviation Management Graduates
The following are the top recruiters of MBA in Aviation Management graduates.
- Jet Airways
- Air India
- Thomas Cook
- Indigo Airlines
- Air India
- Air Costa
- The Oberoi
- Air Canada
Job Sectors for MBA graduates
The following are some job sectors where MBA graduates in Aviation Management can find jobs.
- National and International Airports
- Logistics Departments
- Airport Security Agencies
- Aerospace Regulatory Authorities
- Aviation Fuel Companies
- Aviation Companies
- Educational Institutes
- Air Cargo Operators
- National and International Airlines
- Allied Aviation Service Providers
– Samiya Firdous
