How to get a career in the airline industry
Do you want a great career in the airline industry?
Below you will find links, tips and research for helping you in get the airline job you are looking for.
Whether you want to be a pilot, flight attendant, engineer, ground staff or work in management roles in finance, planning, fleet and network, alliances, revenue management, operations, ground services, legal or sales and marketing then this lens is for you.
We aim to provide a great resource for all airline job and airline career seekers, primarily by maintaining a comprehensive list of airline career websites. Generally, airlines like to recruit directly through their websites and so our list is an effective way for you to go about your job search, without having to bookmark 100 airline career websites, or remember the exact addresses. The site is not affiliated to any recruitment agency nor will we try and charge you anything.
This site will be useful for anyone looking for an airline career, whether you are newly out of school or college, are an MBA or have a lot of airline experience.
The lens contains direct links to the career sites of airlines such as Emirates, which often has jobs even in today's tough time for airlines, together with information that can help you to get an airline job and some of the pros and cons of a career in the airline industry.
Just click on the contents page or scroll down to get right to the list. You'll be surprised how many jobs are available.
The airline industry is massive, its interesting and it has a lot of jobs, as it needs a lot of people to make it work.
Maybe you'd like to get a job in the airline business? If so, I can try and help with some info here. Whether you are researching an airline job, already have an interview for a job with an airline or are simply wondering what job to take straight out of college, we have all the links you'll need and we can always try and help you out with any questions you may have - just ask in the comments section below.
If you like the industry, you may want to check out our lens on the airline business.
Check out these great books on the airline business and careers on Amazon
Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/egm757lover/
Below you will find links, tips and research for helping you in get the airline job you are looking for.
Whether you want to be a pilot, flight attendant, engineer, ground staff or work in management roles in finance, planning, fleet and network, alliances, revenue management, operations, ground services, legal or sales and marketing then this lens is for you.
We aim to provide a great resource for all airline job and airline career seekers, primarily by maintaining a comprehensive list of airline career websites. Generally, airlines like to recruit directly through their websites and so our list is an effective way for you to go about your job search, without having to bookmark 100 airline career websites, or remember the exact addresses. The site is not affiliated to any recruitment agency nor will we try and charge you anything.
This site will be useful for anyone looking for an airline career, whether you are newly out of school or college, are an MBA or have a lot of airline experience.
The lens contains direct links to the career sites of airlines such as Emirates, which often has jobs even in today's tough time for airlines, together with information that can help you to get an airline job and some of the pros and cons of a career in the airline industry.
Just click on the contents page or scroll down to get right to the list. You'll be surprised how many jobs are available.
The airline industry is massive, its interesting and it has a lot of jobs, as it needs a lot of people to make it work.
Maybe you'd like to get a job in the airline business? If so, I can try and help with some info here. Whether you are researching an airline job, already have an interview for a job with an airline or are simply wondering what job to take straight out of college, we have all the links you'll need and we can always try and help you out with any questions you may have - just ask in the comments section below.
If you like the industry, you may want to check out our lens on the airline business.
Check out these great books on the airline business and careers on Amazon
Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/egm757lover/
Get a job in the airline industry
The goal of this lens is to help you find opportunities in the global airline industry and to secure the airline job you want.
Whether you want to be a pilot, a flight attendant or a manager, the links below will show you which jobs are available at which airlines, from the US to Australia
There are usually always some airline jobs available, no matter what the state of the industry, but if you don't find any this time, come back and check again later. The worst thing is when you find out you've missed a great job.
This lens is for information, we don't get any revenue from the airlines and we aren't a recruitment site, I just found it frustrating to have to keep track of all the sites when I was looking for airline jobs and thought it would be nice to have all the links in one place.
At the bottom you'll find more general aviation recruitment websites which you may also find useful in searching for an airline job.
Some of the places include the Middle East carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar airlines and there is a chance they will have a job that you may be interested in. In the US, then Delta may have some jobs, as may United, American and Continental. It just depends what you want to do and which career path you are interested in.
Whether you want to be a pilot, a flight attendant or a manager, the links below will show you which jobs are available at which airlines, from the US to Australia
There are usually always some airline jobs available, no matter what the state of the industry, but if you don't find any this time, come back and check again later. The worst thing is when you find out you've missed a great job.
This lens is for information, we don't get any revenue from the airlines and we aren't a recruitment site, I just found it frustrating to have to keep track of all the sites when I was looking for airline jobs and thought it would be nice to have all the links in one place.
At the bottom you'll find more general aviation recruitment websites which you may also find useful in searching for an airline job.
Some of the places include the Middle East carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar airlines and there is a chance they will have a job that you may be interested in. In the US, then Delta may have some jobs, as may United, American and Continental. It just depends what you want to do and which career path you are interested in.
Airline Career Website Links
Links straight to the official airline career websites
These links should go straight to the career sections of airline websites.
Bookmark this page and keep coming back to the full list to see if there are new openings
.
Bookmark this page and keep coming back to the full list to see if there are new openings
.
- American Airlines Jobs
- Careers both in the US and elsewhere in the world. They have special programs for college graduates and often have jobs in areas such as IT.
Looking to benefit from JV with BA, which could lead to jobs being created throughout the network.
Known to have an interesting culture - make sure you'll fit before accepting a job. - Continental Airlines Jobs
- Consistently ranked high on the Fortune list of most admired airlines but integration after the United merger could limit jobs for outsiders for the foreseeable future.
- Delta Airlines Jobs
- If you want an airline job in the US, then a job at Delta is likely to be the best bet at the moment.
Merger with NW has been tremendous for Delta and they are looking to cement gains and establish themselves as the biggest US airline, before UA/CO and the others catch-up. - Virgin America Jobs
- America's newest 'major' airline, seems to have settled down to a nice growth path and with consistent quick growth follow jobs
- Alaska & Horizon Jobs
- Links to both Alaska and its sister company Horizon - may have more jobs than you'd think.
- United Jobs
- UA/CO looks like it is an excellent match, so expect to see it challenge DL for the top spot in the US.
Possibly reduced job postings as they sort out the merger, so maybe one to watch as the merger synergies create new opportunities in the next couple of years. - JetBlue Jobs
- Perhaps not as glamourous place as when it first opened, but still a top, highly regarded airline which has recently had significant investment from Lufthansa and has a steady stream of jobs.
- Allegiant Jobs
- Smaller US airline who fly under the radar with their network of secondary airports and less frequent flights, but who do it very successfully by all accounts. Growth = jobs!
- Emirates Jobs
- Growing fast there should be a lot of openings, both in Dubai and around the world. Emirates has numerous job openings which are constantly being updated.
- Qantas Jobs
- Major Australian airline with distinctive red kangaroo livery. One of early A380 customers. Usual range of jobs.
- British Airways Jobs
- The UK's largest airline and one of the most well respected carriers in the world with an extensive network out of Heathrow. Most jobs are based at Heathrow, but there will be openings worldwide at many of the airports BA serves.
- Southwest Jobs
- Based in Dallas, the 'original' low cost carrier and one of the biggest, most successful airlines in the world. Could be making moves to go international soon, which would probably mean a lot more job openings.
- Air France Jobs
- Based in Paris, the website is in French, which is useful to speak if you want a job in a French company!
- KLM Jobs
- Although Air France KLM is one group, they still operate separately so have different career sites with jobs for KLM posted here.
- Lufthansa Jobs
- Nice site, nice company, tipped to be one of the survivors in the European airline industry and are in the middle of an acquisition binge to consolidate their position. Jobs based throughout Germany and the world.
- Austrian Airlines Jobs
- Smaller European airline based in Austria, but still does long-haul.
- Ethiopian Airlines Jobs
- A bit exotic for some perhaps, but there are airlines all over the world and they may have jobs when others don't!
- Etihad Jobs
- Another one of the Middle East airlines who are growing rapidly and are serious about becoming one of the world's best airlines. Like Emirates they have a number of jobs and more come open all the time.
- Flybe Jobs
- Based in the UK, with operations into Europe, a smaller airline.
- Air New Zealand Jobs
- Based in New Zealand
- LOT Polish Airlines Jobs
- LOT Polish Airlines post jobs on the website when they have some, but don't have a permanent career page. You could try contacting them directly.
- Virgin Atlantic USA Jobs
- Virgin is a top airline, smaller than the majors but still a force even though they are more established than they were at first.
This site is dedicated to jobs in the US. - Virgin Atlantic Jobs
- Virgin is a top airline, smaller than the majors but still a force even though they are more established than they were at first.
This is the main career site. - AirTran Jobs
- Head office is in Orlando, FL but they have a lot of flights out of Atlanta. A significant player in the US skies, AirTran is one of the main competitors to the major airlines and as such offers a more entrepreneurial work environment.
- Bellview Air
- Bellview is the pioneer Nigerian airline and is currently hiring.
- Ryanair Jobs
- You know Ryanair, they are growing like crazy throughout Europe and so generally have a lot of jobs available. They don't have the same culture as some of the more established airlines and so you will either love it, or hate it!
- Malaysia Airlines Jobs
- Recruitment and vacancies within Malaysia Airlines. The airline has been through some difficult times, but in general they offer a high quality product and are well respected in the industry.
- Singapore Airlines Jobs
- Singapore Airlines has been a top airline for many years and while not growing as quickly as they once did, they still have positions available and would be a great entry on your CV/resume.
- Cathay Pacific Jobs
- Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific has a long history and a loyal following among fliers to and in Asia.
- Thai Airways Jobs
- The national airline of Thailand, Thai is another one of the Asian carriers who developed a great reputation for themselves. Although not as important in the industry as they once were, they are still a place to consider working as you develop your career.
- Qatar Airways Jobs
- Qatar Airways is the first 5-star airline and are growing fast, concentrating on a premium service from their base in Doha. Launch customer of the new A350 and with A380s on order, there should be a steady flow of vacancies available.
- US Airways Careers
- US Airways is another of the US major carriers, who has emerged fairly strongly from its past financial troubles and appears to have successfully merged with American West. They are based in Tempe, AZ just outside Phoenix and they have a good US and international presence.
- Gulf Air
- Based in Bahrain, one of the earlier Gulf airlines which is changing significantly to adapt to the growth of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar.
- Kingfisher Jobs
- Growth continues for one of India's best airlines, proud of its 5-star Skytrax rating. Expansion plans continue providing a range of job openings and Kingfisher just announced plans to join the Oneworld alliance.
- SkyWest Careers
- SkyWest is a US regional airline, flying smaller planes often for the major carriers. A smaller place to start your airline career.
- Midwest Airlines Careers
- Midwest Airlines is another US regional carrier, famous for serving cookies on board. Has a bit of a cult following. Is this the carrier for you?
- North American Airlines
- Not your regular scheduled airline, North American Airlines offers charter services and is very well known for transporting military around by air.
Challenges of a career in the airline industry
It isn't always blue skies!
As you probably know, the airline industry is cyclical and it has a lot of bad times. You need to consider this when deciding to pursue a career in the industry. Pay is often poor relative to other similar positions and there can be a lot of stress when costs have to be cut. Also, there is less chance for exciting new projects to work on as there usually isn't a lot of money to throw around.
Who knows whether this will change in the future and even if it doesn't then you can have a great career in the airlines, just make sure you go in with open eyes, so you aren't disappointed and regret it later.
Who knows whether this will change in the future and even if it doesn't then you can have a great career in the airlines, just make sure you go in with open eyes, so you aren't disappointed and regret it later.
Flight Benefits
One of the main reasons people want an airline career!
Its not all glamor, but the flight benefits you can expect are very nice. They vary by airline, but likely will include standby travel for you and your immediate family at reduced rates.
Its rarely free and you are never guaranteed to get on the plane, but you can make it work to have some good adventures and see more of the world than you otherwise could.
The trade-off is airlines don't always pay very much, as they figure the flight benefits are valuable and people will accept less pay because of them.
You should also note these aren't contractual benefits, so they could be removed or altered at any time. An example of this is BA's threat to remove travel privileges from striking cabin crew staff (link)
Its rarely free and you are never guaranteed to get on the plane, but you can make it work to have some good adventures and see more of the world than you otherwise could.
The trade-off is airlines don't always pay very much, as they figure the flight benefits are valuable and people will accept less pay because of them.
You should also note these aren't contractual benefits, so they could be removed or altered at any time. An example of this is BA's threat to remove travel privileges from striking cabin crew staff (link)
Airline Jobs Blog
A blog about airline jobs and how to get a career in an airline.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byAirline MBA
If you are looking to advance in your airline career, have you considered an airline MBA?
This could be a way to get an edge over the competition for the best airline jobs.
This could be a way to get an edge over the competition for the best airline jobs.
- Airline MBA
- The airline industry is a fascinating industry, which for all its trials and tribulations can provide a fulfilling lifetime career for those who have the industry in their blood. All projections see a continued growth in air travel and this combined with the current age profile of airline management
Airline Job Resources
Other non-airline websites of interest
These additional links are to places which could help you get a job in the industry, that aren't actual airline career websites.
There may also be links to interesting articles/blogs which could be useful in your job search, or are simply interesting on their own.
There may also be links to interesting articles/blogs which could be useful in your job search, or are simply interesting on their own.
- Aircraft Leasing Jobs, Engine Leasing Jobs & Aircraft Finance Recruitment - Peak Performance Recruitment UK
- Great resource for hard to find jobs in the exciting aircraft finance and aircraft leasing industries.
- Singapore Airlines leads the way in slashing labour costs. SAS still worst in class | Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation
- Labor costs are always a hot topic at airlines and this article gives some context about recent changes in early 2010. Also has rumor that JetBlue will eventually move HQ to cheaper Orlando!
- The Airline Zone
- This is a great site. Very original and potentially very useful. Enjoy checking it out.
- Seabury APG
- Well known and respected Airline Consultancy, offers a more varied career than you could get in a single airline.
- The Leading Aviation, Airline & Airport Job Site | Avjobs.com ®
- The Leading Aviation, Airline, Airport and Aerospace Job Site - All Aviation Jobs, All Categories. Thousands of new jobs monthly, resumes, interview assistance, private professional email.
There is a fee to use this site and to see the jobs they have, so make sure you do your research to make sure it will be useful to your specific search before you sign up. There is no guarantee you will find a job even after paying and the same jobs may be posted for free on the specific airline sites. - Sabre Airline Solutions
- Top airline software & consultancy firm.
LinkedIn for Airline Careers
Networking made easy for airlines
Spend any time in the airline industry and you will soon realize that, like many industries, it is really as much of a case of who you know rather than what you know. Sure, you need some basic knowledge to succeed, but if you are going to have a long, successful career in the industry you have to have a great network of people, so that when a new job opens up you have a chance to be considered.
Every good airline job that opens up will have a lot of candidates eager for it, your network could be the edge you need to get in the door, so don't ignore that aspect during your career search.
LinkedIn is a really easy way to build an online network and I would suggest you check it out and build a great profile for yourself. I would expect all serious recruiters would use LinkedIn to find/check on candidates, so make sure they find you.
Every good airline job that opens up will have a lot of candidates eager for it, your network could be the edge you need to get in the door, so don't ignore that aspect during your career search.
LinkedIn is a really easy way to build an online network and I would suggest you check it out and build a great profile for yourself. I would expect all serious recruiters would use LinkedIn to find/check on candidates, so make sure they find you.
- My LinkedIn profile - please connect if you'd like to ask specific questions about a career in the airline industry. I will do my best to answer.
Books to buy
I highly recommend reading some of these
Books specific to an airline that could help you understand the culture and make you look really smart in the interview!
You will do yourself a lot of favors by reading up on the airline before you apply or go to an interview. These books aren't as serious as the selection below, but are a great read with lots of useful information.
Even if you are going for another airline, these books give you a sense of the industry and an insight into what you would be doing and the language that people speak.
You will do yourself a lot of favors by reading up on the airline before you apply or go to an interview. These books aren't as serious as the selection below, but are a great read with lots of useful information.
Even if you are going for another airline, these books give you a sense of the industry and an insight into what you would be doing and the language that people speak.
Airline business books
OK, some are a bit pricey, but they'll be invaluable resources when you get your interview. More like textbooks than novels, you may be able to find them at your local library.
if you want to be successful at an airline, you may wish to read up and let everyone know your both keen and knowledgeable. These books are often very interesting reads on their own.
if you want to be successful at an airline, you may wish to read up and let everyone know your both keen and knowledgeable. These books are often very interesting reads on their own.
Airline career blogs
There aren't too many blogs focusing on airline careers, but you never know, you may find something interesting here!
- AMR Posts Big Loss, Reshuffles Managers
- By DOUG CAMERON And JACK NICAS The parent of American Airlines on Wednesday disclosed a management reshuffle alongside a net loss of $1.98 billion for 2011 as the carrier continues efforts to restructure under bankruptcy protection.
- Boeing, Singapore Airlines Cargo Launch GoldCare Operations
- The long-term performance-based maintenance engineering contract builds upon previous maintenance support products purchased by Singapore Airlines Group, including Boeing's Airplane Health Management, Integrated Materials Management Electronic Flight ...
- JAL Group Announces Mid-Term Management Plan for Fiscal Years 2012-2016
- On the service front, JAL endeavors to become the favorite airline of both Japanese and international customers by providing unparalleled products and services to continuously deliver fresh and enjoyable travel experiences. Following is an outline of ...
- Brad Tilden new Alaska Air CEO as Bill Ayer announces retirement
- He said he expects no letup in the push for cost savings and in the challenges facing the industry, and that the airline's management needs to be unafraid "to implement important changes even when they're really hard or unpopular.
Questions? Recommendations
Let us know what you think and about your success in getting an airline career! And if we can assist, please leave a question.
submit
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Reply
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denysaputra
Jan 12, 2012 @ 5:53 am | delete
- First nice lense and thanks for the information!
Cheers! How to get LinkedIn connections
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ibakir
Jan 12, 2012 @ 12:47 am | delete
- i have an interview in Air Arabia but i was confused because of the future of this career
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Reply
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RJTame
Jan 12, 2012 @ 2:04 pm | delete
- Thanks for visiting and commenting! It is great news that you have an interview at Air Arabia and good luck with it.
I would not be too concerned with the future of the industry - people are going to want to continue to fly in greater numbers in the future, especially in the growth markets in Asia, India, etc. and so there will always be airlines needing people to work for them.
It is most important in my mind to find a role where you gain solid airline skills, so even if the airline you are working for doesn't succeed, then you can take your skills elsewhere. Also, I don't think you can join an airline and think you can stay there forever and so you should always be aware of other opportunities for advancement in other airlines.
Let us know how the interview goes!
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PersonnelRecruitment
Dec 18, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- Thats a pretty decent list of jobs you have listed here, niche specific too. Well done !
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Pragati shrivastava
Dec 10, 2011 @ 11:15 pm | delete
- Hi there
I like your information about Airlines industries as well as jobs .I am pursuing MBA in Aviation from India .I want to get job on Australian airports or Airlines as a manger or ground staff.Would you help me how I can come to know about vacancy in Australia and how to apply there .Please I am really blank about it but its my wish to work with Australian airlines or at Australian airport .Also I would like to know which kind of job opportunity I can get in Australia after my Mba.I have done my degree with computer science will it help me to get better job in Airline industries ?please I do welcome to your suggestion help me .My email ID is pragati.shrivastava92@yahoo.com .I hope I ll get right direction and information from here which will help me to achieve my goal .
regards
pragati shrivastava
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Other airline lenses
We have a few more airline related lenses you may wish to check out
General Aviation Recruitment Websites
When you aren't sure what airline you want to work for, or it needs to be location specific
AviationJobSearch.com - Aviation jobs in the UK
AviationJobSearch.com specialises in advertising aviation jobs, jobs in aviation, aviation jobs in london, aviation recruitment and all other aviation jobs for the UK's leading employers and recruitment agencies. Search and apply for 1000s of jobs.
AviationJobSearch.com specialises in advertising aviation jobs, jobs in aviation, aviation jobs in london, aviation recruitment and all other aviation jobs for the UK's leading employers and recruitment agencies. Search and apply for 1000s of jobs.
Some of my other lenses
I hope you enjoy these other lenses
Aviation jobs on Twitter
One of many Twitter streams re airline jobs
This UpMarket page written by
RJTame
RJTame
This lens was developed to give guidance about jobs and careers in airlines.
Deluxe. Remarkable. Creative. Unusual. Successful. Upmarket businesses push the envelope -- does yours?
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Resume/CV help!
The Overnight Resume, 3rd Edition: The Fastest Way to Your Next Job (Overnight Resume: The Fastest Way to Your Next Job)
Amazon Price: $7.31 (as of 02/16/2012)
Great resume/CV book which can change your tired own resume/CV literally overnight (with a bit of work on your part). Follow the guidance and there is a much better chance of your resume attracting the attention of the airline recruiters.
Airline Business Book
The best book on the airline industry
Flying Off Course IV: Airline economics and marketing
Amazon Price: $47.50 (as of 02/16/2012)
This is the latest version of the seminal airline business text. Anyone working in, or interested in an airline industry career, especially management or finance/planning, would very much benefit from getting this book.
Other Airline Related Lenses
