Airport baggage handlers transport, load and unload luggage and cargo. They are responsible for checking luggage against flight lists and taking it to the aircraft or to the reclaim conveyor belt. They need to work quickly and accurately while taking care not to cause damage.
Also known as:
* Ramp agent
Work activities
Airport baggage handlers move all sorts of baggage, such as luggage and cargo, on and off planes. They drive vehicles that carry large amounts of baggage. Baggage handlers check outgoing baggage against flight lists, transport it, and load it onto the aircraft using lifting equipment. Smaller items may be loaded by hand. Incoming baggage is taken off the aircraft to the reclaim conveyor belts. It is sorted to ensure that each article is loaded onto the correct conveyor. Baggage handlers need to work accurately while taking care not to cause damage. They also have to work quickly as turnaround times between flights can sometimes be very short. Baggage handlers have responsibility for keeping an eye open for suspicious-looking cargo or baggage items. These items are reported to airport security or the police. Much of the work is done outdoors in all types of weather. In smaller airports, baggage handlers may also clean both the interior and exterior of aircraft. In winter, baggage handlers may assist with de-icing the aircraft. They may also help with portering, keeping the runways clear of birds, and helping people requiring assistance onto aircraft.
Personal qualities and skills
To do this job well, you’ll need to be:
* A good teamworker.
* Able to work quickly.
* Physically fit and have the stamina for all the lifting, carrying and bending that the job involves.
* Able to use mechanical handling equipment.
* A careful worker as some of the items you’ll be handling will be expensive and fragile.
* Able to cope with early and late shift work.
A driving licence is often required for people wishing to get into this job. Some employers will expect you to live near the airport. This usually means being within one-hour’s travel from the airport.
Pay and opportunities
Airport baggage handlers earn in the range of £15,000 - £28,000 per year. They usually work a basic 44-46-hour week. Shift work and work at weekends and public holidays is normally required. Overtime is usually available in busy periods. Employers are ground services providers, handling agents, airlines or airport authorities. Opportunities occur at airports throughout the UK.
Entry routes and training
There are no set entry routes into this career. You should apply directly to companies for vacancies. Two level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeships may be relevant:
* Aviation ground operative
Training is usually on-the-job and covers the safe and efficient use of equipment and how to deal with lost, damaged and suspicious items. City & Guilds offer awards, certificates and diplomas in aviation environment. These courses contain baggage handling options. Relevant aviation industry BTECs are also available at level 2.
Experienced baggage handlers can move into supervisory positions. Some handlers become trainers.
Qualifications
If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme. Age limits apply to this career. To become a baggage handler, you must be aged over 18, due to the shift work involved. Previous practical experience, for example, in warehouses and stores, using your hands is helpful. A clean, current driving licence is needed.
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