What Is the Work of Loader in Airport
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become an aircraft loader. However, construction and mechanical technologies, physical education, maths and English are useful.
Study levels
- Up to NCEA Level 3
- Certificate
Useful experience
Useful experience for aircraft loaders includes:
- work at an airport
- work with heavy machinery and vehicles
- labouring
- warehouse work
- work in a team
- any work involving heavy lifting.
What you will do
Aircraft loaders may do some or all of the following:
- drive baggage and freight between planes and airport terminals or cargo buildings
- load and unload aircraft
- operate equipment such as cargo and belt loaders, lift trucks, ramp tractors and loading systems
- help position loading ramps, passenger ramps and other equipment
- help guide planes into their berth and secure the aircraft
- drive aircraft tugs, which push or pull planes into position on the runway or tarmac.
Skills and knowledge
Aircraft loaders need to have:
- knowledge of baggage and freight handling, as well as stacking and lifting techniques
- knowledge of how to handle dangerous goods
- an understanding of airport regulations and procedures, and safety and emergency procedures
- driving skills for operating specialist vehicles such as aircraft tugs.
Pay
Aircraft loaders usually earn
Job opportunities
Chances of getting a job as an aircraft loader are average due to declining job numbers, but reasonably high turnover.
Industry
Transport and Logistics
Aircraft loaders load and unload aircraft, and transfer freight and baggage between airport buildings and aircraft.
Similar jobs in this industry
Entry requirements
There are no specific requirements to become an aircraft loader. However, a New Zealand Certificate in Aviation (Ground Handling) may be useful.
A New Zealand driver's licence is usually needed.
- New Zealand Transport Agency website - information on getting a driver's licence
- ServiceIQ website - information on the New Zealand Certificate in Aviation (Ground Handling)
Chances of getting a job
Regular vacancies despite declining number of aircraft loaders
Vacancies for aircraft loaders arise reasonably often as many leave the job after a short time to move into other roles, or more senior positions. However, the number of aircraft loaders working in New Zealand is declining as some are not being replaced when they leave the job.
Opportunities for aircraft loaders are best at Auckland International Airport and Christchurch International Airport, as these are two of New Zealand's busiest airports.
According to the Census, 1314 aircraft loaders worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Part-time work can lead to full-time aircraft loader job
People often get into aircraft loading by doing casual or part-time baggage handling. Casual or part-time positions are available throughout the year, though summer can be a good time to apply as airlines are usually busier then.
Most aircraft loaders work for one of two companies
Aircraft loaders either work directly for Air New Zealand, or for companies that supply contractors to airlines.
The largest of these companies is Menzies Aviation, which supplies aircraft loaders to many airlines.
Progression and specialisations
Aircraft loaders may progress to work as team leaders or managers.
Working conditions
Aircraft loaders:
- usually work shifts, including weekends or evenings, and may work casually, part-time or full-time
- spend most of their time outside on the tarmac, in aircraft cabins and baggage holds, and baggage sorting rooms
- work in most types of weather, and in conditions that may be fumy and noisy.
Physical Requirements
Aircraft loaders need to be reasonably fit and strong, with strong backs and good stamina, because they need to lift heavy items. They also need to be able to bend, stoop and work in tight spaces.
Useful personal qualities
Aircraft loaders need to be:
- quick-thinking and able to make good judgements
- able to work well under pressure
- accurate, methodical and patient in their work
- able to work well independently and in a team
- safety-conscious
- good communicators.
What Is the Work of Loader in Airport
Source: https://www.wintec.ac.nz/future-you/explore/jobs/transport-and-logistics/aircraft-loader#:~:text=Transport%20and%20Logistics-,Aircraft%20loaders%20load%20and%20unload%20aircraft%2C%20and%20transfer%20freight%20and,between%20airport%20buildings%20and%20aircraft.