Air Transport
‘Measured in time of transport and communication, the whole round globe is now smaller than a small European country was a hundred years ago’. (John B. Orr, American researcher, University of Southern California)
Air travel is the UK’s fastest growing means of transport. In the UK, it employs over 126,000 people and handles more than 180 million passengers a year.
There are lots of exciting careers in this sector – and they could take you anywhere in the world!
There are jobs in the air and on the ground.
On the ground, air traffic control officers control the movements of aircraft. Passenger service assistants deal with air passengers before their flights. Baggage handlers look after their luggage, as well as other cargo.
In the air, airline and helicopter pilots fly the aircraft. Members of the air cabin crew look after passengers on a plane.
To work as cabin crew or as a passenger service assistant, you should have a smart appearance, and be helpful, pleasant and calm when dealing with passengers who may be anxious. You do not always need qualifications for these jobs, but it can be helpful to speak other language(s).
As a baggage handler you should be responsible and be a good team worker. You do not need qualifications, but you will undergo strict security checks.
To work in traffic control or as an airline or helicopter pilot you must be responsible, decisive, very aware of safety and able to stay calm under pressure. There is a lot of competition to get into these jobs and most entrants have degrees.
Air travel in the UK has grown by around 70% in the last 10 years, partly due to more ‘no-frills’ flights. Of course, the industry is currently affected by rising fuel costs and the current economic downturn. This in turn could affect passenger numbers and airline staff requirements.
August 2009 saw nearly 2 million passengers going through Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports (5% less than August 2008) with a total of 13 million passengers between January and August 2009 (7% less in the same period 2008.) By August 2009, Edinburgh reported an increase of 5% (probably due to new low cost scheduled services to Europe) but Glasgow reported a 13.4% decrease and Aberdeen a 9.8% decrease.
Freight traffic has doubled since 1990. About a third of UK exports now go by air, mainly from airports in the south of England. More express freight delivery services might increase this.
(Sources: GoSkills Sector Skills Assessment Scotland Report : February 2010 & Skills for Logistics Skills Assessment UK Report : January 2010)