Aviation employs far more people on the ground than in the air. For every pilot there are engineers keeping aircraft safe, dispatchers planning flights, ground teams turning aircraft around, and office staff running the business. This guide walks through the eight job groups used on this site, what the work is like, and what employers usually look for.
Requirements differ by country, by employer and by aircraft type, so treat this as a map rather than a rulebook. Always check the exact requirements in each job advert and with your national aviation authority.
Pilots
Airline pilots fly passengers or cargo, working as a two-person crew. New airline pilots usually join as first officers (also called co-pilots) and progress to captain with experience. Other pilot roles include cargo, corporate and business jets, helicopters, flight instruction, and flight testing for manufacturers.
What it takes: a commercial pilot licence for paid flying, with an airline transport pilot licence needed to command an airliner. Airlines also ask for an instrument rating, a class 1 medical certificate, and a type rating for the specific aircraft. Many airlines now run cadet programmes that take people with no flying experience through training. Some are sponsored and some are self-funded.
On this site: search "First Officer", "Captain" or "Cadet" in the pilots group.
Cabin crew
Cabin crew are responsible for passenger safety first and service second. They carry out safety checks, handle emergencies and medical situations, and look after passengers through the flight. Senior roles include purser and cabin manager.
What it takes: most airlines train new cabin crew themselves, so previous aviation experience is often not required. Typical requirements include a minimum age, a height or reach requirement so you can use overhead equipment, good spoken English (and often another language), the ability to swim, and a background in customer service. Recruitment often runs through open days and assessment days with group exercises.
Aircraft engineering and maintenance (MRO)
Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) teams inspect, fix and certify aircraft so they are safe to fly. Roles range from mechanics and technicians to licensed engineers who sign aircraft off, plus specialists in avionics, engines, structures, composites and non-destructive testing (NDT). This group also covers design and systems engineers at manufacturers.
What it takes: under the European system, licensed engineers hold a Part-66 licence: category B1 covers mechanical systems and B2 covers avionics. In the United States, the equivalent is the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. Many people start as apprentices or trainee mechanics and earn licences while working. Type-specific training on particular aircraft is common.
Ground operations and airport services
These teams get aircraft from arrival to departure on time. They include ramp agents, baggage handlers, aircraft refuellers, de-icing crews, check-in and gate staff, airport operations officers, security staff and terminal managers. Airports, ground handling companies and airlines all hire for these roles.
What it takes: many roles are open to people without aviation experience and include on-the-job training. Expect shift work, outdoor work in all weathers for ramp roles, a security background check for airside access, and often a driving licence.
Air traffic and flight operations
This group covers the people who plan and control flights. Air traffic controllers keep aircraft safely separated. Flight dispatchers plan routes, fuel and weight, and share responsibility for the flight with the captain in many countries. Operations control, crew scheduling and load control teams keep the daily schedule running.
What it takes: air traffic control is usually run by national providers, with selection tests followed by long, demanding training. Dispatcher roles may need a dispatcher licence, depending on the country. Planning and control roles value calm decision-making, attention to detail and comfort with shift work.
Cargo and logistics
Air cargo carries a large share of world trade by value. Roles include cargo agents, warehouse staff, load planners, unit load device (ULD) controllers, dangerous goods specialists, and cargo sales and revenue teams.
What it takes: warehouse and handling roles often need no previous aviation experience. Specialist roles may need certified training in handling dangerous goods.
Customer service and sales
Airlines and airports need people to help passengers before and after the flight. This includes contact centre agents, reservations and ticketing staff, lounge hosts, customer experience teams and sales managers working with travel agents and corporate clients.
What it takes: customer service experience, clear communication and often more than one language. Knowledge of airline booking systems is a plus but is usually taught.
Corporate: IT, finance, HR and more
Aviation companies are large businesses with the same office functions as any other: software development, data, cyber security, finance, human resources, legal, marketing, procurement and project management. These roles are more likely than others to offer hybrid or remote working.
What it takes: the same skills as in other industries. Aviation employers often value an interest in the industry, and these roles can be a way in for career changers.
Finding your fit
If you are starting out, ground operations, cabin crew and customer service roles are the most common entry points without previous aviation experience. If you have a technical background, maintenance and engineering offer clear, licence-based progression. If you want to fly, look closely at cadet programmes and the cost of training before you commit.
You can browse open jobs by role using the role filter, and narrow them by country and work mode.