• Airport Baggage Handler Job Description

    An airport baggage handler is a person who loads and unloads baggage and cargo to and from aircraft. Airport baggage handlers work on arriving and departing aircrafts, and are responsible for the efficient, timely, safe and secure loading and unloading of baggage and freight. Airport baggage handlers are also known as aircraft loaders, baggage and air cargo handlers, baggage and ramp handlers, ramp agents or fleet service agents.

    An airport baggage handler should be polite, observant, adaptable, careful, and safety-conscious, and have the ability to work quickly. They should be physically strong and healthy to cope with the physical demands of their job. They should also have basic understanding of mechanical systems to work with conveyors and lifting equipment.

  • What does an Airport Baggage Handler do?

    Airport baggage handlers may do some or all of the following:

    • load and unload aircraft
    • collect, sort and check luggage against flight lists to ensure that items go on the right aircraft
    • operate trucks, cargo loaders and loading conveyor systems to move luggage
    • move luggage and freight across airport terminals and airplane runways
    • help keep the runways clean
    • assist with aircraft pushback and towing
    • assist with cleaning and deicing of aircraft
  • Where does an Airport Baggage Handler work?
  • Working Conditions

    Airport baggage handlers usually work shifts including evenings, late nights, weekends, and public holidays. They work indoors in airport terminal buildings and cargo warehouses, and outdoors as well. They may work in confined spaces, in all weather conditions, in noisy environments, and in environments that contain engine fumes. Their work may require them to bend and stand for long periods, as well as to push and lift heavy objects.

  • What is Required to Become an Airport Baggage Handler ?

    There are no formal educational requirements to become an airport baggage handler, but employers will prefer to hire candidates with a secondary school education. Candidates may be subjected to medical tests and background checks before they are employed. Airport baggage handlers receive on the job training.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Airport baggage handlers need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • courteousness
    • promptness
    • cautiousness
    • integrity and dependability
    • physical strength and stamina
    • alertness and quickness
    • manual dexterity
    • good memory
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good eyesight, hearing and color vision
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good observational skills
    • organizational skills
    • the ability to work with a wide range of people
    • the ability to remain calm under pressure
    • knowledge of airline codes
    • knowledge of airport safety procedures and policies

References

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