How to become an air transport operative
Official title: Air transport operatives
Also called: X-ray operative, Ramp agent, Tug driver, Apron hand, Tarmac man, Load master, Ramp worker, Airport hand, General hand, Ground staff, Loader driver, Driver-loader
Air transport operatives refuel, load and unload aircraft, direct the movement of aircraft at airports, and positions gangways or staircases to allow passengers to board and disembark aircraft.
Main tasks
- Refuels aircraft from mobile tankers
- Directs the ground movement of aircraft at airports
- Responds to emergencies or incidents on the airfield and completes runway inspections
- Loads and unloads conveyor belts to transport luggage between terminal buildings and aircraft, monitors conveyor belts and clears any blockages
- Loads aircraft with luggage, in-flight meals, refreshments and other items
- Operates retractable gangway or positions mobile staircases to enable passengers and crew to board and disembark aircraft
- X-rays cargo and luggage
How to become one
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though employers may require entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades for some posts. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. Vocational qualifications in Aviation Operations on the Ground at level 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship (England): Aviation ground handler (level 2). England. Typically 12 months. Skills England standard ST0908.
- Apprenticeship (England): Aviation ground operative (level 2). England. Typically 12 months. Skills England standard ST0037.
- Apprenticeship (England): Aviation ground specialist (level 3). England. Typically 18 months. Skills England standard ST0038.
Pay · Outlook
- Median full-time pay: £34,700 a year The middle half earn £29,587 to null.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an air transport operative?
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though employers may require entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades for some posts. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. Vocational qualifications in Aviation Operations on the Ground at level 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.
How much does an air transport operative earn in the UK?
Median full-time pay is £34,700 a year (Office for National Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become an air transport operative?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Aviation ground handler (level 2).
Sources
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Population Survey: employment by occupation (April 2025 to March 2026), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions (2026-08-27 edition), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Office for National Statistics: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Table 14 (2025 provisional), OGL v3.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03