There are more than 17,000 airports in the United States today. Some of these are large metropolitan airports with hundreds of scheduled flights arriving and departing every day. Others are private airfields with no scheduled flights and very little daily activity. All of these airports must he managed in one way or another. Small airports are generally managed by their owners. But the operations of medium-sized and large airports are so complex that the airports need part-time or full-time airport managers.
Managers of airports, especially large ones, generally do not have any direct control over flying activities. However, they have many other duties. They are responsible for the maintenance of the buildings and runways. They are in charge of finances, profit making, and public relations. They must deal with the airlines that fly in and out of their airports and make sure that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations are enforced. Above all, airport managers must ensure that their airports are run safely and efficiently.
Depending on the size of the airport, airport managers may supervise a small clerical staff or a large staff of assistants and other workers. Alone or with the aid of assistants, airport managers plan for the future needs of the airport and oversee new construction. They make sure that the airport buildings are maintained properly. They meet with government officials and public representatives to discuss airport problems and projects. They must also tackle the problems faced by passengers and by businesses operating in the airport, such as airlines and newspaper and food concessions.
Airport managers do not need to know how to fly airplanes, but they should be knowledgeable in the fields of aviation and business management. They must be able to work well with people and supervise a staff. Managers must also have good leadership and decision-making skills.
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university is required to enter this field. Most airport managers major in business administration with a special emphasis in air transportation or engineering. Many managers complete graduate studies in business administration.
In high school, courses in English, social studies, and mathematics are helpful. In college, courses in business administration, including management policies, economics, finance, public relations, business law, aviation legislation, and engineering, are valuable.
After graduation applicants may be able to enter an internship program. A few airports have 1- or 2-year internship programs that provide valuable experience. These programs teach beginners about all phases of airport management.
Getting the Job
Although some airport managers are appointed by government officials, most are hired. You can apply directly to airports for a position as an assistant airport manager. You can also take federal and state civil service exams and apply for positions with government-operated airports.
Many airport management jobs require a good deal of experience and are not available to new graduates. However, you can gain experience in one field of airline work, such as airline dispatching or airline public relations, and then apply for a job as an assistant manager. You can also gain experience in another field of management, such as bus transportation or sales management.
Employment Outlook
Because airport managers are at the top of their field, they generally advance by changing jobs and becoming assistant managers, department managers, and managers of larger airports. Airport managers can earn distinction by receiving the title of accredited airport executive (AAE). To earn this designation, managers must be at least 21 years old, have airport management work experience, write an original paper on an airport problem, and take a comprehensive exam.
When managers are accredited they may use the initials AAE after their name. In addition, they are eligible to vote at business meetings of the American Association of Airport Executives.
The employment outlook for airport managers is expected to be good. Growth of airports and air travel should increase the demand for airport managers. However, this is a comparatively small field, and competition for job openings is often keen. Applicants with a graduate degree in business ad-ministration will have the best opportunities.
Working Conditions
Airport managers work in clean, modern offices in airport administration buildings. They generally spend most of their days inside, although they may sometimes supervise outside activities such as snow removal on runways.
Airport managers generally work more than 40 hours a week, especially in large airports. They may also have to work nights and weekends. In emergencies they must be available around the clock.
Earnings and Benefits
Salaries for airport managers vary widely according to the size and location of the airport. Current salaries for managers of small, general aviation airports range from $30,000 to $40,000 a year. Managers of large international airports often earn $75,000 or more a year. Airport managers generally receive benefits such as paid sick leave and vacations, life and health insurance, and retirement plans.
